In case of a chemical exposure in the workplace, what is the nurse's first action?

In the event of a chemical exposure in the workplace, the nurse's first action is to ensure the area is safe. This is crucial because the safety of both the individual affected by the exposure and the surrounding personnel is the top priority. Ensuring the area is safe helps to prevent further injury, including potential exposure to others or exacerbation of the situation.

Before taking any additional steps, such as decontamination or checking safety data sheets, it is essential to assess the environment for ongoing hazards. This may involve moving the exposed individual away from the chemical source, ensuring that there is no risk of explosion, or determining if protective equipment is necessary for those responding to the incident.

While calling for help, decontaminating the affected area, and consulting the safety data sheet are all important steps in managing a chemical exposure, they should only be carried out once it has been established that the environment is secure. Prioritizing safety ensures that the response to the incident can be conducted effectively without creating additional risks.