Question

Firefighters have rescued a man from his burning house. He is conscious and alert, but is experiencing significant respiratory distress. He has a brassy cough and singed nasal hairs. The MOST immediate threat to this patient's life is:

A) Carbon monoxide poisoning
B) Thermal burns
C) Inhalation injury
D) Circulatory shock

Answer 1

The most immediate threat to this patient's life is inhalation injury. The patient is experiencing significant respiratory distress, a brassy cough, and singed nasal hairs, which are all indicative of inhaling toxic gases and smoke. Inhalation injury can lead to airway swelling, decreased oxygen levels, and tissue damage in the respiratory system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most immediate threat to this patient's life, based on the symptoms described, is Inhalation Injury. The patient is experiencing significant respiratory distress, a brassy cough, and singed nasal hairs, which are all indicative of inhalation injury. Inhalation injury occurs when someone breathes in toxic gases, chemicals, or smoke, which can cause damage to the respiratory system.

In this case, the patient was rescued from a burning house, suggesting that they likely inhaled toxic smoke and gases. Inhalation injury can lead to airway swelling, decreased oxygen levels in the blood, and tissue damage in the respiratory system. This condition requires immediate medical attention to ensure proper oxygenation and to prevent further complications.