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A burn patient presents with cherry-red flushed skin and coma. SaO2 is normal, but carboxyhemoglobin is elevated. What is the recommended treatment?

1) Administer oxygen therapy
2) Administer intravenous fluids
3) Administer pain medication
4) Administer antibiotics

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The recommended treatment for a burn patient with cherry-red flushed skin and coma, elevated carboxyhemoglobin, and normal SaO2 is to administer oxygen therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The recommended treatment for a burn patient with cherry-red flushed skin and coma, elevated carboxyhemoglobin, and normal SaO2 is to administer oxygen therapy. This is because the patient is likely suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) has a higher affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen, leading to tissue hypoxia. Administering oxygen helps to displace carbon monoxide and restore oxygenation.

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