Question

A factory worker is brought to the nurse's office after a metal fragment enters his right eye. The nurse should: A. Cover the right eye with a sterile \(4 \times 4\) B. Attempt to remove the metal with a cotton-tipped applicator C. Flush the eye for 10 minutes with running water D. Cover both eyes and transport the client to the ER

Short answer

Short Answer: The most appropriate nursing intervention when a factory worker has a metal fragment in their eye is to cover both eyes and transport the client to the Emergency Room (Option D). This ensures the client receives proper medical care from qualified professionals and avoids causing further damage by attempting to remove the fragment or flush the eye.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze each of the options

A- Cover the right eye with a sterile \(4 \times 4\): This can help protect the eye from further damage, but does not address the removal of the metal fragment. B- Attempt to remove the metal with a cotton-tipped applicator: Removing metal fragments from the eye can cause further damage and requires a specialist. This option is not recommended. C- Flush the eye for 10 minutes with running water: Flushing the eye will help clean and reduce irritation but will not remove metal fragment, and it could potentially cause further damage or corrosion. D- Cover both eyes and transport the client to the ER: This option provides a safe approach to handle the situation and ensures that the factory worker receives proper medical care by a specialist.

Choose the best option

Option A, B and C do have some merit, but they do not provide the best immediate care. Option D is the safest and most appropriate answer: Cover both eyes to avoid unnecessary movements of the affected eye, and transport the client to an Emergency Room to receive proper care from qualified medical professionals.

Key concepts

Nursing Intervention

Nursing interventions are actions undertaken by nurses to help individuals reach their healthiest potential. In the context of a patient suffering from an eye injury, like a metal fragment entering the eye, the primary nursing intervention would focus on preserving the patient's vision and preventing further trauma.

The intervention would start by understanding that attempting to remove the fragment (Option B) or even flushing the eye with water (Option C) could be harmful. These actions may lead to additional damage to the delicate structures of the eye. Instead, protecting both eyes is essential to reducing the chances of sympathetic movement, which could exacerbate the injury, indicating that covering both eyes (Option D) followed by immediate professional medical attention is the necessary intervention.

Emergency Nursing Care

Emergency nursing care involves quick assessment and response to life-threatening situations. For the factory worker with an eye injury, the nurse must act promptly and effectively to prevent vision loss.

Using the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation) of emergency care, the nurse should ensure these are not compromised, even though an eye injury may not pose an immediate threat to these functions. Following the standards of emergency nursing care, securing both eyes (Option D) minimizes the risk of additional harm. Immediate referral to the emergency room is a critical component, as it is the appropriate environment for specialized treatment and care.

First Aid for Eye Injuries

First aid for eye injuries is a delicate process. It's crucial to avoid actions that could induce further injury such as rubbing, pressing, or trying to remove objects like metal fragments.

Immediate Steps

Covering both eyes (Option D) helps to immobilize them, which can be protective and calming for the patient. It also prevents the reflexive movement of the uninjured eye, which can cause movement in the affected eye. Furthermore, it is critical to understand that eye irrigation (Option C) is not recommended for chemical exposure and not mechanical injuries involving solid objects. Immediate professional attention is crucial for these types of injuries.

Medical Exam Preparation

Preparing for medical exams, such as the NCLEX-PN, requires understanding the best practices for various medical scenarios. For aspiring nurses, mastering emergency scenarios, like eye injuries, is vital.

Preparation should focus on critical thinking and scenario-based learning, identifying the best course of action during first aid situations. The solution to the exercise emphasizes the need for understanding the rationale behind emergency care decisions. This type of application-based learning is crucial in preparing for medical exams, as it not only tests knowledge but also the application of that knowledge in practical, real-world situations.