A patient who was found unconscious in a burning house is brought ...

[cherise1989]

A patient who was found unconscious in a burning house is brought to the emergency department by ambulance. The nurse notes that the patient's skin color is bright red. Which action should the nurse take first?
 
  a. Insert two large-bore IV lines.
  b. Check the patient's orientation.
  c. Assess for singed nasal hair and dark oral mucous membranes.
  d. Place the patient on 100 oxygen using a non-rebreather mask.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing laboratory results on a patient who had a large burn 48 hours ago. Which result requires priority action by the nurse?
 
  a. Hematocrit 53
  b. Serum sodium 147 mEq/L
  c. Serum potassium 6.1 mEq/L
  d. Blood urea nitrogen 37 mg/dL

[DHRUVSHAH]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The patient's history and skin color suggest carbon monoxide poisoning, which should be treated by rapidly starting oxygen at 100. The other actions can be taken after the action to correct gas exchange.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Hyperkalemia can lead to fatal dysrhythmias and indicates that the patient requires cardiac monitoring and immediate treatment to lower the potassium level. The other laboratory values are also abnormal and require changes in treatment, but they are not as immediately life threatening as the elevated potassium level.

[cherise1989]

Great answer, keep it coming

[hollysheppard095]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it