While treating a patient who consumed corrosive poison, you recognize that the patient's throat is swollen. Which of the following measures is the nurse expected to perform?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Explanation

The correct action is to apply cold compression to the neck.
Cold application causes local vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels).
This physiological response helps to reduce swelling (edema) in the throat and larynx.
Reducing edema is critical to help maintain a patent airway and can also provide some pain relief.
It is a safe, non-invasive intervention that addresses the immediate life-threatening problem of airway swelling.

Option A: Inducing vomiting is absolutely contraindicated as it causes the corrosive agent to pass back up the esophagus, causing a second chemical burn and increasing the risk of perforation.
Option B: Giving any oral fluids is dangerous when the throat is swollen. The patient's ability to swallow is compromised, creating a high risk of aspiration (fluid entering the lungs), which can lead to pneumonia or acute respiratory distress.
Option C: Applying heat (like giving hot liquids) causes vasodilation, which would increase blood flow to the area and worsen the swelling, further compromising the airway.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing Emergency management of corrosive poisoning in acute care settings.
The number one priority in a patient with a swollen throat from any cause is airway management. A nurse must be able to recognize signs of airway compromise (stridor, hoarseness, drooling) and initiate immediate interventions.
Patient safety is paramount. Knowing key contraindications, such as not inducing vomiting for corrosive poisons, prevents iatrogenic harm and is a fundamental nursing responsibility.
This principle applies to other emergency situations like epiglottitis or anaphylaxis, where airway swelling is the primary life threat. The immediate goal is always to secure the airway.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements of the scenario: the patient has ingested a 'corrosive poison' and has a 'swollen throat'.
Recognize that a swollen throat after ingesting a corrosive substance is a sign of laryngeal edema, which is a life-threatening airway emergency.
The primary goal must be to maintain or secure the airway. Evaluate each option based on whether it helps or harms the airway.
Option A (vomiting): Recall that this causes a re-burn and is contraindicated.
Options B & C (drinks): Realize that a swollen throat impairs swallowing, making any oral intake a high risk for aspiration.
Option D (cold compression): Apply the physiological principle that cold causes vasoconstriction, which reduces swelling. This is the only option that is both safe and directly addresses the problem of swelling.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Emergency management of corrosive poisoning
Stem keywords: corrosive poison, swollen throat, nursing measures
Lead-in keywords: which of the following measures
Clinical cues: Swollen throat indicates laryngeal edema and potential airway compromise, which is a life-threatening emergency.

QjWWbmgT-d0s6El9uuiE-y

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 129-131

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 751-753

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 128-130

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.