Question

Based solely on the information in the Main Question above, what is the best next course of action when treating this patient?

A. Administer high flow oxygen at 15 liters via non-rebreather mask, rapid transport.
B. Immediately take manual control of C-Spine, insert OPA, assist respirations with BVM and high flow oxygen, prepare the AED, contact the receiving facility, rapid transport
C. Administer high flow oxygen at 15 liters via non-rebreather mask, place patient in left lateral recumbent position, continue assessment
D. Have the friend help you remove patient's clothing, apply cool cloth to patient's forehead, move patient to a cooler area, administer oxygen at 6 lpm via nasal canula, when patient gains consciousness, encourage her to drink cold water.

Answer 1

The best next course of action when treating a patient with carbon monoxide poisoning is to administer high flow oxygen at 15 liters via a non-rebreather mask and ensure rapid transport to a medical facility.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best next course of action when treating a patient with carbon monoxide poisoning is to administer high flow oxygen at 15 liters via a non-rebreather mask and ensure rapid transport to a medical facility (Option A). This is because oxygen hastens the dissociation of carbon monoxide from carboxyhemoglobin, effectively turning it back into hemoglobin. Administering oxygen via non-rebreather mask significantly reduces the half-life of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream, thus preventing further poisoning.