• To understand the effects of prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide
• To learn about the signs and symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide exposure
• To be able to effectively distinguish between low-level carbon monoxide exposure and conditions with similar presentations
Unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, sometimes referred to as CO poisoning, is a serious threat to health and can have long-term effects on the neurological and respiratory systems. Patients who have been exposed can present to emergency departments (ED) with non-specific signs and symptoms, which makes it challenging to diagnose. This article describes the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and ED management of patients with possible or confirmed low-level CO exposure. It is important for emergency nurses to recognise patients with unintentional CO exposure so that treatment is provided and measures taken to prevent further exposure.
Emergency Nurse. doi: 10.7748/en.2021.e2077
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Cappelletto M, Jarman H (2021) Screening and management of unintentional low-level carbon monoxide exposure in the emergency department. Emergency Nurse. doi: 10.7748/en.2021.e2077
Published online: 13 April 2021
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