The patient has recently moved into a newly renovated home in the inner city. The patient is being seen in the clinic for complaints of ongoing headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. The symptoms started shortly after moving into the new home

Question

As the nurse gathers information, which of the following questions would be most appropriate to ask the patient? a. "Have you changed the battery in your smoke alarm recently?"
b. "Have you changed your diet since moving?"
c. "What type of furnace do you have?"
d. "When was the last time your house was painted?"

Answer 1

C
A furnace, stove, or fireplace that is not properly vented introduces carbon monoxide into the environment. This gas binds strongly with hemoglobin; preventing the formation of oxyhemoglobin and thus reducing the supply of oxygen delivered to the tissues. Low concentrations cause nausea, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. The importance of having a proper working smoke detector will decrease the chance of smoke inhalation and potential death owing to a fire but does not produce the symptoms listed. A balanced diet and proper storage of food is essential to decrease the chance of infection to the gastrointestinal system but does not produce the symptoms listed. Painting would not produce the symptoms listed even if the paint is old and contains lead as it must be ingested.