Question

you have been called to a patient who has had a poisonous powder cover exposed skin. which of the following should you do?

brush the powder off and then shower the person.
begin showering the person as you remove the clothes.
brush the powder off, shower, and then remove the clothing.
remove the clothes, brush the chemical off, and then shower.

Explanation:

Identify the nature of the toxic exposure

The patient has been exposed to a dry, poisonous powder on their skin and clothing. This represents an absorption hazard via dermal contact.

Determine the correct order of decontamination steps

Using the Routes of Poisoning Exposure knowledge point

• Dry chemicals must be brushed off before applying water, as water can activate some dry chemicals, causing chemical burns or increasing absorption.
• Clothing traps the chemical against the skin and must be removed to prevent ongoing exposure.
• The correct sequence is to first remove contaminated clothing to prevent further contact, brush off any remaining dry chemical from the skin, and then flush/shower the area with copious amounts of water.

Evaluate the given options

• Brush the powder off and then shower the person: This leaves contaminated clothing on during the initial brushing and potentially during the shower.
• Begin showering the person as you remove the clothes: Showering before brushing off a dry powder can cause a harmful chemical reaction or spread the toxin.
• Brush the powder off, shower, and then remove the clothing: Removing clothing last allows the trapped chemical to remain in contact with the skin during brushing and showering.
• Remove the clothes, brush the chemical off, and then shower: This is the correct sequence to minimize exposure and safely decontaminate.

Answer:

• Brush the powder off and then shower the person.
• Begin showering the person as you remove the clothes.
• Brush the powder off, shower, and then remove the clothing.
• Remove the clothes, brush the chemical off, and then shower. (Correct answer)