25. A nurse is teaching a parent about childhood poisonings. The nurse should instruct the parent that the first action to take is to:
25. A nurse is teaching a parent about childhood poisonings. The nurse should instruct the parent that the first action to take is to:
. Call the Poison Control Center for instructions.
. Attempt to reach the child's pediatrician.
. Follow the instructions on the label of the substance that the child has ingested.
. Treat the child's obvious signs and symptoms.
Test-Taking Tip
Treat the child first and the poison second. Select a here-and-now direct action for the child, not "call" or read the label.
Content Area: Child Health, Poisoning; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Comprehension; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Medical Emergencies
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Answer 1 is incorrect because immediate first aid and life support measures should be the parent's first action. Once the child's status is determined, the Poison Control Center should be contacted. Answer 2 is incorrect because immediate first aid and life support measures should be the parent's first action. Once the child's status is determined, the parent can begin trying to reach the child's pediatrician. Answer 3 is incorrect because immediate first aid and life support measures should be the parent's first action. Following the instructions on the label of the substance that the child has ingested is not recommended. The instructions are usually for an adult rather than for a child; following these adult instructions could lead to additional harm to the child. Answer 4 is correct because the first and most important principle in dealing with a poisoning is to treat the child's signs and symptoms (e.g., assess for shock or absence of respiratory function). The nurse should teach the parent basic first aid and life support measures to begin immediately upon discovering that the child has ingested a poison.