CBM CBM Inhalation Injury & Respiratory Management 2

Question 1

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) toxicity in burn patients most commonly results from combustion of which materials?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic polymers such as polyurethane foam and nylon

Answer

HCN is released when nitrogen-containing synthetic polymers like polyurethane, nylon, and acrylics combust in house fires.

Question 2

Which antidote is currently the preferred treatment for suspected cyanide poisoning in burn patients in the US?

Accepted Answer

Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit)

Answer

Hydroxocobalamin directly binds cyanide to form cyanocobalamin and is preferred over nitrite-based regimens because it does not cause methemoglobinemia.

Question 3

Circumferential chest burns may require escharotomy primarily because of which respiratory complication?

Accepted Answer

Inelastic eschar restricts chest wall excursion, reducing tidal volume

Answer

Rigid circumferential chest eschar limits thoracic expansion, severely decreasing tidal volume and causing respiratory failure.

Question 4

Bronchoscopy is indicated in inhalation injury patients primarily to accomplish which goal?

Accepted Answer

Directly assess airway injury and clear carbonaceous debris and casts

Answer

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy allows direct visualization of mucosal erythema, edema, carbonaceous deposits, and pseudo-membrane formation in the tracheobronchial tree.

Question 5

A burn patient develops progressive hypoxia with bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray 24–48 hours after injury. Which complication is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Answer

ARDS is a well-recognized sequela of major burns and inhalation injury, characterized by diffuse alveolar damage and hypoxemic respiratory failure.

(CBM) Certified Burn Manager Practice Test

(CBM) Certified Burn Manager Practice Test

CBM CBM Inhalation Injury & Respiratory Management 2