The nurse is caring for a firefighter who was trapped for a prolonged period of time by burning debris. During the shift, the nurse notes a progressive hoarseness, a brassy cough, and the patient reports increased difficulty with swallowing. How does the nurse interpret these changes?

The nurse is caring for a firefighter who was trapped for a prolonged period of time by burning debris. During the shift, the nurse notes a progressive hoarseness, a brassy cough, and the patient reports increased difficulty with swallowing. How does the nurse interpret these changes?




a. temporary discomfort that can be treated with sips of cool fluids
b. s/s of probable carbon monoxide poisoning
c. signs indicating a pulmonary injury and possible airway obstruction
d. expected findings considering the mechanism of injury





Answer: C