You are working in the emergency department (ED) of a community hospital when the ambulance arrives
with A.N., a 28-year-old woman who was involved in a house fire.
She was sleeping when the fire started
and managed to make her way out of the house through thick smoke. The emergency medical system
crew initiated humidified oxygen at 15 L/min per non-rebreather mask and started a 16-gauge IV with
lactated Ringer's solution. On arrival in the ED, her vital signs are 100/66, 125, 34, Spo2 93%. She appears
anxious and in pain.
Describe the interventions needed to care for A.N. on her arrival in the ED.
Obtain the history of the injury and confirm all prehospital interventions. ED interventions for a
burn patient follow the ABCDE system (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Extent). Using
this system, the first action is to evaluate patency of her airway and continue humidified oxygen
therapy at 15 L through a non-rebreather mask. Have equipment readily available for endotracheal
intubation or tracheostomy. Initiate pulse oximetry and continuous ECG monitoring. Initiate
a second large-bore IV line. Perform cardiovascular and peripheral vascular and neurologic
assessments. Obtain baseline blood work and patient weight. Administer pain medication. Initiate
wound care. Insert a Foley catheter and nasogastric tube, if ordered. Provide psychologic support to
A.N. and her family.
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