Overview
The Clinical Pattern
Cyanide poisoning is a cellular oxygen use emergency.
NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN
Cyanide poisoning is a cellular oxygen-use emergency. The patient may have oxygen-rich arterial blood and a reassuring pulse oximeter while the brain and myocardium are already failing because their mitochondria cannot use that oxygen. In a smoke-inhalation victim, the combination of altered mental status, severe lactic acidosis, and a normal or near-normal SpO2 should move cyanide toxicity high on the priority list. The nurse supports oxygenation and circulation immediately, obtains the most useful bedside data, and prepares hydroxocobalamin without waiting for a cyanide level.
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