A patient with suspected severe poisoning has a reduced level of consciousness, but the substance is unknown and the airway is not protected. Which action has the highest priority before giving an oral antidote?
Correct answer: A. Assess and support the airway
- A. Assess and support the airway
- B. Induce vomiting with an emetic
- C. Give activated charcoal by mouth
- D. Offer milk to dilute the toxin
Explanation
Airway assessment and support come first because aspiration can rapidly threaten breathing and life. Oral charcoal or other substances should not be given to a patient who cannot protect the airway unless the airway has been secured.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Emergency Drugs and Antidotes
Emergency pharmacology covers drugs used in cardiac arrest, shock, severe allergy, acute asthma, seizures, poisoning and hypoglycaemia, including adrenaline, atropine, naloxone, flumazenil and selected antidotes. The focus is on indications, routes, rapid adverse effects, dose safety and matching a toxic substance with its specific reversal agent.
Practise Emergency Drugs and Antidotes
50 free Emergency Drugs and Antidotes MCQs from Nursing Pharmacology, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Nursing Pharmacology questions like this
Nursing Pharmacology is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Emergency Drugs and Antidotes questions
A patient receives adenosine for a regular narrow-complex tachycardia and briefly reports flushing and chest pressure. The ECG shows a short pause before the rhythm returns. What is the best nursing interpretation?
A patient taking dabigatran develops life-threatening bleeding. Which specific reversal agent should the nurse expect to prepare?
A patient develops severe abdominal colic, anaemia and peripheral neuropathy after occupational exposure to lead. Which antidote is used as a chelating agent for significant lead poisoning?
A patient with suspected tricyclic antidepressant poisoning has hypotension and a widening QRS complex. After initial sodium bicarbonate treatment, which finding requires immediate reassessment?
A patient receiving intravenous calcium develops pain, swelling and blanching around the cannula. What should the nurse do first?
A patient with suspected cyanide poisoning receives hydroxocobalamin. Which expected effect should the nurse recognise and report to the laboratory team?