Emergency Care Exam with Questions and Verified Solutions

Emergency Care Exam with Questions and Verified Solutions A 3-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his father because of possible poisoning. He was found in the garage with furniture polish on his cheeks, mouth, and clothes. The father saw him coughing but denies choking or vomiting. On examination, the boy is active with normal vital signs. Which of the following is the next best step? A. Consult pulmonology B. Give activated charcoal C. Obtain chest x-ray D. Perform gastric lavage ANSWER C Hydrocarbon toxicity can result from ingestion of furniture polish. A transient and mild CNS depression is commonly noted after hydrocarbon ingestion or inhalation. Aspiration is characterized by coughing, which usually is the first clinical finding. It is important to obtain a chest radiograph. Standard mechanical ventilation, high-frequency ventilation, and ECMO have all been used to manage the respiratory failure and ARDS associated with severe hydrocarbon-induced pneumonitis. A 19-year-old farmer presents to the ED with vomiting, diarrhea, diaphoresis, wheezing, and excessive tearing. Vital signs are BP 150/100 mm Hg, HR 36 beats per minute, RR 28 breaths per minute, and T 98.6°F. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial step in management?