A patient has been brought to the Emergency Department after inhaling super heated steam. Pulmonary injuries unique to this situation include:
1) atelectasis.
2) pulmonary edema.
3) thick secretions.
4) pharyngeal edema.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inhalation of super heated steam can cause pulmonary injuries such as atelectasis (1) and pulmonary edema (2). The heat can lead to damage of the alveolar-capillary membrane, resulting in increased vascular permeability and fluid accumulation in the lungs. This can cause thick secretions (3) as well. Pharyngeal edema (4) may also occur, but it is not a unique pulmonary injury in this situation.

A Patient Has Been Brought to the Emergency Department After