Emergency and Disaster Nursing NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
The male client was found in a parked car with the motor running. The paramedic brought the client to the ED with complaints of a headache, nausea, and dizziness and the client is unable to recall his name or address. On assessment, the nurse notes the buccal mucosa is a cherry-red color. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cherry-red mucosa suggests carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; 100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask is the first intervention to displace CO. Pulse oximetry is unreliable, psychiatric consults are secondary, and hyperbaric transfer follows initial stabilization.