The paramedics arrived at the emergency room with a 25-year-old male who suffered severe burns to his face and chest. His wife stated that her husband was smoking while filling his lawnmower with gasoline and an explosion occurred.
* The emergency room physician decided to intubate (place a tube into the trachea) the patient even though he was alert and talking. Why?
* Once stabilized the patient was moved to a private room and the doctors ordered reverse isolation. What is reverse isolation and why is it required for this patient?
* The doctor ordered antibiotic treatment for the patient even though there was no sign of an infection. Why?