Nurse-Led Recognition of Occult Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Following a Minor Motor Vehicle Collision: A Case Report.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Carbon monoxide poisoning is frequently underrecognized in emergency settings because its nonspecific symptoms may mimic minor trauma, viral illness, or fatigue. Delayed recognition may occur when patients present after a motor vehicle collision and symptoms are initially attributed to injury rather than toxic exposure. This case review highlights the role of emergency nursing assessment and clinical reasoning in identifying occult carbon monoxide poisoning when clinical severity is disproportionate to the apparent mechanism of injury. This case review describes a family who presented to the emergency department after a low-speed motor vehicle collision but were ultimately diagnosed with severe carbon monoxide poisoning. Key learning points include recognizing that similar unexplained symptoms in multiple patients may indicate environmental exposure, understanding that normal pulse oximetry does not exclude carbon monoxide poisoning, and using repeated nursing reassessment with timely escalation to reduce delayed diagnosis.