Question

44. You are providing care for a 32-year-old female who was just extricated from a house fire. The victim does not appear to have sustained any burns to the skin that you can see. Her voice is hoarse and she is coughing up a great deal of soot. Based on this information, the victim: A) has likely sustained respiratory burns and requires immediate medical attention. B) may have sustained some respiratory involvement and should follow up on her own. C) has no burns and has avoided serious injury. D) should be watched closely for the next 24 to 48 hours and taken to medical care as necessary.

Answer 1

There is no signs of respiratory burns because there is no lesson mentioned in the outer skin and in the oropharynx. The patient voice is hoarse and she is coughing, its mainly due to soot inhalation.

There are no symptoms of dyspnea and discoloration of the skin due to hypoxia but the patient is having respiratory irritation so due to soot. So, in this case patient should be discharged and instructed t follow up.

Answer - B) may have sustained some respiratory involvement and should follow up on her own.