Social reliability concerns with delayed toxicity risk
Observation pathway criteria
Observation pathway criteria
Irritant gas exposure with improving symptoms
Serial exams for delayed pulmonary edema risk
Carbon monoxide with resolved symptoms after oxygen and stable exams
Discharge criteria
Discharge criteria
Symptom resolution at rest
Normal work of breathing
Stable vitals
No new wheeze after observation period
Clear follow up plan
Time windows for delayed effects
Time windows for delayed effects
Irritant gases may worsen over 6 to 24 hours
Phosgene or nitrogen dioxide may have delayed pulmonary edema up to 24 hours
Carbon monoxide delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome days to weeks
Discharge Instructions
Copy discharge instructions
Copy discharge instructions
You were treated for symptoms after breathing in a chemical or smoke exposure
Return immediately if breathing worsens
Return immediately if you develop noisy breathing or trouble swallowing
Return immediately if chest pain occurs
Return immediately if you faint or feel confused
Return immediately if vomiting prevents drinking fluids
Avoid the exposure location until it has been cleared as safe
Avoid smoking and strong fumes for 48 hours
Use inhalers exactly as prescribed if provided
Follow up with your primary care clinician within 24 to 72 hours
If carbon monoxide exposure occurred have the source inspected before returning
References
Key guidelines and references
Key guidelines and references
CDC clinical guidance for carbon monoxide poisoning 2024
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society carbon monoxide poisoning indications 2020
American Heart Association focused update on poisoning related life threatening toxicity 2023
Ontario Poison Centre carbon monoxide protocol 2024
ATSDR toxicological profile for carbon monoxide 2012
Canadian Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Association standards of practice guidelines 2016
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.