Final answer:
It is true that CO exposure should be assumed in patients with burns in enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs from breathing in CO at excessive levels, and initial treatment involves removing the individual from the exposure and administering oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that one should always assume CO exposure in patients who were burned in enclosed areas is true. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas produced during the incomplete combustion of organic matter. Exposure in enclosed spaces can lead to significant CO levels in the bloodstream. Patients with CO levels less than 20% may not exhibit symptoms; however, it is imperative to treat any suspected exposure promptly due to the potential for severe health consequences. Initial treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning includes removing the person from the exposure and administering oxygen via a non-rebreather mask, which reduces the half-life of CO from 320 to 80 minutes by displacing CO from carboxyhemoglobin, turning it back into hemoglobin.
Breathing air with a high concentration of CO leads to diminished oxygen transport in the bloodstream, affecting critical organs like the heart and brain. Particularly vulnerable populations include individuals with heart disease, pregnant women, and people with chronic pulmonary conditions. Thus, in cases of burns inside enclosed areas, the risk of CO exposure is high, and medical personnel should manage it accordingly.