NURS 3102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 72.5: Atrioventricular Block, Tears, Pralidoxime
3 Feb 2017
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Evacuation is essential, as are the removal of clothing and decontamination as close to the scene as possible and before transport of the person exposed. Soap and water are effective means of decontamination in most cases. Staff involved in decontamination efforts must wear ppe and contain the runoff after decontamination procedures. Vesicants are chemicals that cause blistering and result in burning, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, hematopoietic suppression, and death. Examples of vesicants include lewisite, phosgene, nitrogen mustard, and sulfur mustard. If the eye is exposed, there is pain, photophobia, lacrimation, and decreased vision. This progresses to conjunctivitis, blepharospasm, corneal ulcer, and corneal edema. Respiratory effects are more serious and often are the cause of mortality with vesicant exposure. Purulent bri-nous pseudomembrane discharge leads to obstruction of the airways. Gastrointestinal exposure includes nausea and vomiting, leukopenia, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Scrubbing and the use of hypochlorite solutions should be avoided, as they increase penetration.
