Questions: A patient is brought to the emergency department for the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning. What should the nurse assess first in this patient? Lung sounds Peripheral pulses Capillary refill Capillary oxygen level

The answer is the fourth one: Capillary oxygen level.

Explanation for each option:

1. Lung sounds: While assessing lung sounds is important in many respiratory conditions, it is not the immediate priority in carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, which is not directly related to lung function.

2. Peripheral pulses: Checking peripheral pulses can provide information about circulation, but it is not the most critical initial assessment in the context of carbon monoxide poisoning.

3. Capillary refill: This is a quick test to assess peripheral perfusion and circulation, but it does not provide specific information about the oxygenation status of the blood, which is crucial in carbon monoxide poisoning.

4. Capillary oxygen level: This is the most relevant assessment in carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Assessing the capillary oxygen level (or more accurately, using a co-oximeter to measure carboxyhemoglobin levels) is essential to determine the extent of poisoning and guide treatment.

In summary, the nurse should first assess the capillary oxygen level to evaluate the severity of carbon monoxide poisoning and guide appropriate treatment.