The parent of a 3-year-old calls and tells the nurse of finding the child in the bathroom with an empty bottle of mouthwash. The parent thinks that the bottle was about one quarter full. What is the nurse's priority response? A)"Call the poison control center. I will give you the number." B)"Give your child about a cup of water to dilute the mouthwash." C)"How did your child get hold of the mouthwash?" D)"What is your child doing right now?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Many mouthwashes have an ethanol (alcohol) content ranging from the equivalent of wine to half the strength of hard liquor. Because children's bodies absorb alcohol quickly, the symptoms of alcohol poisoning can occur within 30 minutes or less after consumption. Clinical indications include confusion, vomiting and seizures, difficulty breathing, flushed or pale skin, and coma secondary to low blood sugar. The exact amount of alcohol that this child presumably ingested is unknown. It is most important to assess the child's condition (eg, behavior, mental status, physical signs and symptoms) to determine if immediate emergency measures (eg, calling 911, cardiorespiratory support) are necessary or if the parent should be instructed to contact the poison control center (Option D). (Option A) It is the nurse's professional responsibility to provide instruction and guidance to the parent. Although caregivers should have the number of the poison control center readily available, referral might delay care and place the child at further risk of a negative outcome if the child is already deteriorating. If the child's condition is stable, the nurse should instruct the parents to contact the center for further evaluation and instructions. (Option B) Giving the child water or any other liquid will not change the amount of alcohol ingested. In addition, alcohol can impair swallowing, placing the child at risk for choking and aspiration. Parents should be advised not to perform any interventions before contacting the poison control center. (Option C) This response does not address the immediacy of the situation and suggests that the parent is to blame for the child's possible ingestion. Educational objective: When a child accidentally ingests a poisonous substance, it is most important to assess the child's condition, including physical signs and symptoms, mental status, and behavior. Based on the condition of the child, the nurse can provide guidance and instructions to contact the appropriate agency (eg, emergency services, poison control center).

The Parent of a 3-Year-Old Calls and Tells the Nurse