What should be done before decontaminating a patient exposed to cyanide with irrigation solutions?

Prior to decontaminating a patient exposed to cyanide, it is crucial to remove all clothing. This step is important because clothing may have absorbed the toxin, and leaving it on could lead to continued exposure and absorption of cyanide into the patient’s body during the decontamination process. By promptly removing contaminated clothing, you can minimize the risk of further poisoning and effectively facilitate the decontamination efforts, which involve irrigation solutions that will help wash away any remaining cyanide contamination from the skin.

Assessing vital signs, applying pressure dressings, or notifying emergency services, while important steps in the overall management of a potentially poisoned patient, do not address the immediate need to prevent re-exposure to the harmful substance. Thus, removing clothing stands out as the priority action directly related to reducing the patient’s contamination risk from cyanide exposure.