In many cases, nurses are the first
contact point for those with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Nurses must make
sure they are familiar with the common signs and symptoms, maintain a high
index of suspicion in patients who have these exposures. Rapid assessment,
diagnosis and treatment are very critical in preventing long term sequelae and
death. Advocate that your unit have oximeters on hand and allow rapid
assessment of patients who present with potential exposure. Nurses should use the targeted patient
education, including how to use CO alarms, placement and maintenance. Reinforce
patient understanding of symptoms of CO poisoning, common sources, and safe
heating practice. These simple health-promotion strategies can help prevent
tragedies caused by this silent killer.
Safe heating is an important issue this time of year. Encourage patients with working fireplaces to have their chimney and flue checked, CO can seep out through cracks in them. It's starting to get chilly at night.
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