A 42-year-old woman is admitted to the emergency department after being rescued from a house fire. She is presenting with confusion, headache, and a bright red skin coloration. Suspecting cyanide poisoning from smoke inhalation, what is the most appropriate initial treatment?
Administer hydroxocobalamin intravenously.
Begin aggressive intravenous fluid administration.
The administration of hydroxocobalamin is the most appropriate initial treatment for suspected cyanide poisoning. Hydroxocobalamin binds with cyanide to form cyanocobalamin, which is then safely excreted in urine. Intravenous fluids are supportive but do not directly counteract cyanide toxicity. Oxygen supplementation alone is insufficient because cyanide inhibits cellular oxygen utilization, despite adequate oxygen levels in the blood. Gastric lavage is not appropriate as it addresses ingestion rather than inhalation exposure.
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.
What is hydroxocobalamin and how does it work in treating cyanide poisoning?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is oxygen supplementation alone insufficient for cyanide poisoning?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the symptoms of cyanide poisoning and how does it relate to smoke inhalation?
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