CBM Smoke Management & Post-Burn Evaluation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most critical initial assessment in a patient exposed to smoke inhalation?
- Assess for skin burns
- Evaluate carbon monoxide levels
- Assess airway patency (Correct answer)
- Inspect for singed nasal hairs
Correct answer: Assess airway patency
Airway assessment is the top priority since smoke inhalation can rapidly cause airway edema and compromise breathing.
Question 2: Which sign indicates early airway injury from smoke inhalation?
- Elevated blood pressure
- Hoarseness (Correct answer)
- Bradycardia
- Cool, clammy skin
Correct answer: Hoarseness
Hoarseness is an early indicator of laryngeal involvement and potential airway compromise.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of administering 100% oxygen to a patient with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning?
- To cool the airways
- To improve lung compliance
- To remove smoke particles
- To displace carbon monoxide (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To displace carbon monoxide
100% oxygen displaces carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, helping restore oxygen delivery to tissues.
Question 4: Which finding would most likely indicate a lower airway injury in a burn patient?
- Facial burns
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing (Correct answer)
- Singed eyebrows
Correct answer: Wheezing
Wheezing often suggests inflammation or injury in the lower airways due to smoke or chemical exposure.
Question 5: What is the most important factor when evaluating the healing progress of a burn wound?
- Decrease in wound size
- Formation of granulation tissue (Correct answer)
- Patient’s pain level
- Temperature of surrounding skin
Correct answer: Formation of granulation tissue
Granulation tissue is a sign of wound healing and should be monitored regularly in burn evaluation.
Question 6: Why is carbon monoxide poisoning a major concern in burn victims?
- It causes severe dehydration
- It damages kidney tissue
- It displaces oxygen on hemoglobin (Correct answer)
- It increases white blood cell count
Correct answer: It displaces oxygen on hemoglobin
Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin more effectively than oxygen, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues.
CBM Smoke Management & Post-Burn Evaluation 1
What is the most critical initial assessment in a patient exposed to smoke inhalation?