A factory worker presents to the emergency department after being splashed on the arm with a large amount of an unknown dry chemical powder. What is the nurse's priority action?
Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.
Request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical.
Brush the powder off the skin using a gloved hand or cloth.
Immediately begin irrigating the affected arm with sterile saline.
The priority action is to remove the chemical agent. For dry chemical powders, this should be done by brushing the substance off the skin first. Irrigating with water before removing the bulk of the powder can create a caustic solution with certain chemicals, worsening the burn. While identifying the chemical via a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is important for definitive treatment, immediate decontamination by physically removing the substance is the priority to prevent further injury. Applying creams or ointments is contraindicated as this can trap the chemical against the skin.
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BCEN CEN
Environment and Toxicology Emergencies, and Communicable Diseases
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