Final answer:
When caring for a client with chemical burns to the esophagus from lye ingestion, the nurse should question the prescription for gastric lavage, as it can exacerbate the injuries. Instead, IV fluid therapy, NPO status, and preparation for laboratory studies are appropriate management steps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The emergency department nurse is caring for a client who has sustained chemical burns to the esophagus after ingestion of lye. When reviewing the health care provider's prescriptions, the nurse should consider questioning the prescription for gastric lavage. Gastric lavage, or the process of washing out the stomach, can potentially cause additional damage by moving the caustic agent back through the esophagus during the procedure. This process might exacerbate the existing chemical injuries to the tissue. Therefore, in cases of chemical burns to the esophagus, especially from strong alkalis such as lye, gastric lavage is generally avoided.
On the other hand, prescriptions such as Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, maintaining Nothing by mouth (NPO) status, and Preparation for laboratory studies are appropriate in this scenario.
IV fluid therapy helps to maintain fluid balance and supports circulation, NPO status ensures no further ingestion that may aggravate the condition, and laboratory studies are important for monitoring the patient's clinical status and the extent of the damage. The care for such patients will also involve pain management, supportive care, and possibly interventions by specialists, such as gastroenterologists or surgeons, for severe injuries.