Victims of inhaled poisoning will require which of the following?

Victims of inhaled poisoning will require which of the following?

• A. Suctioning to clear the airway
• B. Ventilation with a bag-valve mask
• C. An oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal device to maintain an airway
• D. Transport to an emergency department for evaluation

Answer: (D)

Inhaled poisons can produce effects that aren’t immediately obvious, and symptoms may develop or worsen after exposure. Because evaluation in a medical setting allows complete assessment, monitoring of vital signs, chest status, and potential lab tests (and the administration of oxygen or antidotes if indicated), transport to an emergency department is the safest and most appropriate next step for most victims. On-scene airway maneuvers like suctioning, bag-valve-mask ventilation, or placing an airway device are only necessary if there is clear airway obstruction or respiratory failure; they are not routinely required for all inhaled poison exposures and delaying transport to perform them can miss the opportunity for definitive care. Therefore, getting the patient to an ED for evaluation and ongoing management is the best course.

Inhaled poisons can produce effects that aren’t immediately obvious, and symptoms may develop or worsen after exposure. Because evaluation in a medical setting allows complete assessment, monitoring of vital signs, chest status, and potential lab tests (and the administration of oxygen or antidotes if indicated), transport to an emergency department is the safest and most appropriate next step for most victims. On-scene airway maneuvers like suctioning, bag-valve-mask ventilation, or placing an airway device are only necessary if there is clear airway obstruction or respiratory failure; they are not routinely required for all inhaled poison exposures and delaying transport to perform them can miss the opportunity for definitive care. Therefore, getting the patient to an ED for evaluation and ongoing management is the best course.