Which is an appropriate response for a nurse when encountering a patient with chemical burns?

When dealing with a patient who has chemical burns, it is crucial to ensure the removal of the source of the chemical before any treatment is administered. This is because the continued presence of the hazardous material can exacerbate the injury and lead to further skin damage or systemic toxicity.

In the case of chemical burns, the priority is to prevent additional harm by stopping the exposure. This typically involves removing contaminated clothing, flushing the affected area with copious amounts of water, and ensuring that the chemical does not continue to interact with the skin. Once the source has been addressed, appropriate treatment, such as cleansing the area and possibly using topical antibiotics, can be appropriately initiated.

Addressing the source first mitigates the risk of complications and aids in the overall management of the chemical burn injury.