A family of four is brought to the emergency department with symptoms of headache, nausea, and dizziness. They report having used a portable generator indoors during a power outage. Which of the following is the BEST initial treatment for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning?
Administer intravenous acetylcysteine
Administer 100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask
Give sodium bicarbonate to correct metabolic acidosis
The correct answer is to administer 100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask. This is the most crucial initial step in treating carbon monoxide poisoning. High-flow oxygen therapy helps to displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, accelerating its elimination from the body. While other treatments may be necessary, oxygen administration is the primary and most urgent intervention.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, while effective in severe cases, is not typically the initial treatment and may not be immediately available in all settings. Acetylcysteine is used for acetaminophen overdose, not carbon monoxide poisoning. Administering sodium bicarbonate is not a standard treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning and would not address the primary issue of oxygen displacement from hemoglobin.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why is it important to administer 100% oxygen for carbon monoxide poisoning?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and when is it used?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Environment and Toxicology Emergencies, and Communicable Diseases
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access