Final answer:
The priority action for an occupational health nurse when a patient spills industrial acids on himself is to flush the burned area with large amounts of tap water to dilute and remove the acid. Other measures must be secondary and consider the proper protocol for chemical burns.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient spills industrial acids on his arms and legs, the priority action that the occupational health nurse should take is to flush the burned area with large amounts of tap water. This initial step is critical for diluting and removing the acidic substance from the skin and reducing the severity of the chemical burns. Immediate and prolonged irrigation will help to wash away the acid and minimize tissue damage. After flushing, the skin can be further treated according to medical protocols and the specifics of the chemical involved.
While applying an alkaline solution can neutralize acids, this should be done with caution and under the guidance of emergency medical services or poison control, as the neutralization process can generate heat and cause additional injury. Placing cool compresses on the area or covering the affected area with dry, sterile dressings before proper decontamination may trap the chemical against the skin, potentially exacerbating the injury. Therefore, the immediate and primary step is to flush the area with water. Following irrigation, care should be taken to protect the area and seek additional medical assistance as needed.