You're A Nurse, You Should Know - Part 1

The correct answer is to relieve pain and tissue damage from a burn by holding the part in a sink filled with running water and later applying a layer of antibiotic ointment or aloe vera gel on the burned area. This intervention is effective for thermal burns as it helps to cool down the burn, reduce pain, and prevent further tissue damage. The running water helps to dissipate the heat from the burn, while the antibiotic ointment or aloe vera gel provides a protective barrier and promotes healing.

Thawing and refreezing of a frostbitten area can cause further damage because the ice crystals that form during the freezing process can cause cell damage and disrupt blood flow. When the area is thawed, the blood vessels may expand, causing more blood to flow to the damaged tissues. Refreezing can then cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to decreased blood flow and potential tissue death. Therefore, it is true that frostbite damage becomes more severe if the affected area is thawed and then refrozen.

The correct answer is true because inducing vomiting with ipecac syrup should only be done under the guidance of a poison control center or a doctor. Ipecac syrup is a medication used to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning, but it should not be used without proper supervision. A poison control center or a doctor can assess the situation and determine if inducing vomiting is necessary and safe in a particular case.

Seeking medical attention for all carbon monoxide victims is important because carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations. It binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of consciousness and death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical help for anyone suspected of being exposed to carbon monoxide to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Calamine lotion is known for its soothing and cooling properties, which can provide relief from itching. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that can cause allergic reactions and intense itching when they come into contact with the skin. Calamine lotion contains ingredients like zinc oxide and ferric oxide, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. Therefore, applying calamine lotion can help to alleviate the itching caused by these plants, making the statement true.

If a victim has a life-threatening reaction to an insect sting, their doctor may prescribe epinephrine as a treatment. Epinephrine is a medication that can help alleviate severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which can be triggered by insect stings. Administering epinephrine promptly can be crucial in saving the victim's life and preventing further complications. Therefore, it is true that a victim's doctor-prescribed epinephrine may have to be given in such situations.

When near a hospital, it is best to let medical personnel thaw the frostbitten part because they have the necessary expertise and equipment to safely and effectively treat frostbite. Frostbite is a serious condition that can lead to tissue damage and complications if not treated properly. Medical personnel are trained to assess the severity of frostbite and administer the appropriate treatment, which may include gradual thawing techniques and specialized care. Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical assistance when dealing with frostbite near a hospital.

When an intoxicated or drugged person becomes violent, it is important to prioritize personal safety. Leaving the scene and letting law enforcement officers handle the situation is the best course of action. Engaging with a violent individual in such a state can be dangerous and may escalate the situation further. Law enforcement officers are trained to handle these types of situations and have the necessary resources and expertise to de-escalate the violence and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Heat stroke is the most severe hyperthermic condition and requires immediate medical attention because it is a life-threatening emergency. Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature regulation system fails, leading to a dangerously high body temperature. Symptoms include a high body temperature, altered mental state, hot and dry skin, rapid heartbeat, and potentially unconsciousness. Without prompt medical intervention, heat stroke can lead to organ failure and even death. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are less severe conditions that can be managed with rest, hydration, and cooling measures.

Victims of head injuries should be suspected to have a spinal injury and neck immobilization should be provided. This is because head injuries can sometimes cause damage to the spinal cord, so it is important to take precautions to prevent further injury. Neck immobilization can help stabilize the neck and prevent any potential damage to the spinal cord. The other two statements are not mentioned in the given answer.

Sleeping on the back can be dangerous for an intoxicated person due to the risk of choking or aspiration. When a person is intoxicated, their gag reflex may be impaired, and if they were to vomit while lying on their back, they could potentially choke on their vomit. Sleeping on the side or in a recovery position helps to prevent this risk by allowing any vomit to drain out of the mouth and reducing the likelihood of choking. Therefore, it is recommended to not let an intoxicated person sleep on their back.

It is important to report animal bites to the police or animal control officers because they have the authority to investigate and handle such incidents. Reporting animal bites helps to ensure public safety by identifying potentially dangerous animals and taking appropriate actions to prevent further harm. Additionally, reporting allows for proper documentation and tracking of incidents, which can be useful in case of legal or medical concerns that may arise from the bite.

In cases of shock, the body's blood flow is compromised, leading to decreased oxygen and nutrient supply to the organs. Elevating the legs helps to improve blood circulation and increase blood flow back to the heart and brain. Placing blankets under and over the victim helps to prevent heat loss and maintain body temperature. These interventions are important in stabilizing the victim's condition and preventing further complications.

If an intoxicated or drugged person becomes violent, it is advisable to leave the scene and let law enforcement officers handle the situation. This is because dealing with a violent person under the influence can be dangerous and unpredictable. Law enforcement officers are trained to handle such situations and have the necessary tools and expertise to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of everyone involved. It is always better to prioritize personal safety and let professionals handle the situation.

Placing a swallowed poison victim on their left side can help delay the poison from reaching the small intestine. This position can potentially slow down the absorption of the poison into the bloodstream, giving more time for medical professionals to provide treatment and minimize the effects of the poison.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an allergen, such as certain foods, medications, or insect stings. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Without prompt medical treatment, anaphylaxis can lead to death. Therefore, the statement "Anaphylaxis can kill" accurately describes the seriousness of this condition.

The "cut-and-suck" method for snakebite involves making incisions around the snakebite and using suction to remove the venom. However, this method is not recommended as it can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection. It is more effective to seek immediate medical attention and follow the recommended first aid procedures, such as keeping the affected limb still and at the level of the heart. Therefore, the given answer, "False," is correct.

Applying a cold or ice pack over an insect sting or a suspected spider bite is a recommended first aid measure. Cold therapy helps reduce pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels and numbing the area. It can also help prevent the spread of venom or toxins from the bite. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct as it suggests that applying a cold or ice pack is a suitable action in such situations.

Rewarming a frostbitten part using warm water is the best approach because it helps to gradually increase the temperature and restore blood flow to the affected area. Using water that is too hot can cause further damage to the tissue, so warm water is recommended.

When a victim experiences hypothermia from outdoor cold exposure, adding blankets around and under the victim is the correct method of rewarming. This is because blankets provide insulation and help to trap the victim's body heat, preventing further heat loss. By adding blankets around and under the victim, their body temperature can gradually increase, aiding in the rewarming process. Applying chemical heat packs or using a rescuer's body heat may provide temporary warmth, but they are not as effective as blankets in maintaining a consistent and gradual increase in body temperature.

The correct answer is that most severely injured victims should have their legs raised and blankets should be placed under and over the victim to prevent heat loss. This intervention is recommended because elevating the legs helps to increase blood flow to vital organs and improve circulation, which can help counteract the effects of shock. Placing blankets under and over the victim helps to keep them warm and prevent further heat loss, which is important in preventing hypothermia. These interventions can help stabilize the victim's condition and improve their chances of survival.

Spider bit antivenin is specifically designed to treat black widow spider bites. Not all victims of spider bites require antivenin, as the severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the specific species of spider. Therefore, it is true that spider bit antivenin is available only for black widow spider bites, but not all victims need it.

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In case of an eye injury, it is important not to remove any objects from the eyeball's surface as it can cause further damage or worsen the injury. It is best to leave the object in place and seek immediate medical attention.

Applying a cold or ice pack over a snakebite is true because it can help reduce swelling and slow down the spread of venom. The cold temperature can constrict blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the affected area, which can help minimize the absorption of venom into the bloodstream. However, it is important to note that applying a cold pack should not be the only treatment for a snakebite. Seeking medical attention immediately is crucial in order to receive the appropriate antivenom and treatment for the snakebite.

When dealing with a chemical burn, it is important to brush off dry powder chemicals from the skin before flushing with water, unless there is a large amount of water immediately available. This is because brushing off the dry powder chemicals helps to remove any excess chemicals from the skin before they come into contact with water, which can potentially react and cause further damage. Flushing with water for at least five minutes is also important to dilute and remove the chemicals from the skin.

When a victim experiences hyperthermia from outdoor heat exposure, applying ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin is the most effective way to cool them down. Ice packs help to lower the body temperature by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to these areas, which in turn helps to dissipate heat. This method of cooling is more efficient than other options listed, such as administering salt tablets or applying rubbing alcohol to the skin. Moving the victim to a cool place is also important, but it alone may not be sufficient to rapidly lower their body temperature.

Rubbing or massaging a frostbitten part can actually cause more damage to the tissue and should be avoided. When a body part is frostbitten, the tissue is already damaged and rubbing it can further injure the cells and blood vessels. Instead, it is recommended to rewarm the frostbitten part gradually by immersing it in warm water or using warm compresses. This allows for a slower and safer rewarming process, minimizing the risk of further injury.

Placing frostbitten hands in another person's armpits is not the best rewarming method for frostbite. The correct rewarming method for frostbite is to use warm water, between 104-108°F, to gradually warm the affected area. Placing frostbitten hands in armpits may not provide the controlled and gradual warming required for frostbite treatment, and it is important to avoid using direct heat sources such as heating pads or hot water, as they can cause further damage to the frostbitten tissue.

Some cases of poison ivy, oak, or sumac do not require medical attention. This means that not all individuals who come into contact with these plants will need to seek medical treatment. In many cases, mild symptoms can be managed at home with over-the-counter remedies and self-care measures. However, it is important to note that severe reactions or cases where the rash spreads to sensitive areas such as the face, genitals, or eyes may require medical attention.

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Sometimes a knocked-out tooth should be reinserted. Reinserting a knocked-out tooth can help preserve the tooth and increase the chances of successful reattachment. It is important to handle the tooth carefully by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently with water if it is dirty, and try to reinsert it back into the socket. If reinsertion is not possible, the tooth should be kept moist by placing it in a container of milk or saliva, or by using a tooth preservation kit. The person should then be taken to a dentist as soon as possible for further treatment.

For a victim with spinal injury, it is important to prioritize their safety and prevent further damage. Moving the victim, especially if they are in water, can exacerbate their injuries and should be avoided. If the victim is breathing and has a pulse, placing them in the recovery position can help maintain an open airway and prevent choking. Victims of suspected spinal injury should be provided with cervical collars by EMS or manually immobilized to stabilize their neck and prevent any movement that could worsen their condition.