Certified Occupational Health Nurse Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When assessing an employee for chemical exposure, the first consideration should indeed be the route of exposure. The route of exposure—such as inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion—plays a critical role in determining how a chemical may affect the worker's health. Different chemicals have varying levels of toxicity depending on how they enter the body; for instance, some substances may be harmless if ingested but can be highly dangerous if inhaled.

Understanding the exposure route helps in evaluating the immediate risks to the employee and guides necessary interventions. For instance, if exposure is via inhalation, it may require urgent measures including improving ventilation or providing respiratory protection. Prioritizing the route of exposure allows for an established framework to manage the chemical's impact effectively.

While other factors such as the employee's work history, the type of chemical involved, and the duration of exposure are significant and contribute to a comprehensive assessment, knowing the route allows healthcare providers to take the most appropriate and timely actions to mitigate risk.