Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Administering 100% oxygen is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient with suspected inhalation injury. This is crucial because:

1. It helps counteract the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is common in smoke inhalation cases.
2. It supports oxygenation in case of potential airway edema or bronchospasm.
3. It can help prevent further tissue hypoxia.

While obtaining a chest X-ray is important, it's not the first priority. Administering steroids may be considered later but is not the initial step. Intubation may be necessary if the patient's condition deteriorates, but it's not the first-line intervention for all inhalation injury cases.