An emergency room nurse assesses a client who was rescued from a home fire. The client suddenly develops a loud, brassy cough. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Apply oxygen and continuous pulse oximetry.
b. Provide small quantities of ice chips and sips of water.
c. Request a prescription for an antitussive medication.
d. Ask the respiratory therapist to provide humidified air.
ANS: A
Brassy cough and wheezing are some of the signs seen with inhalation injury. The first action by the nurse is to give the client oxygen. Clients with possible inhalation injury also need continuous pulse oximetry. Ice chips and humidified room air will not help the problem, and antitussives are not warranted.
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