For a patient rescued from a fire, which assessment is most helpful in evaluating smoke inhalation?

In the scenario of a patient rescued from a fire, assessing for smoke inhalation is crucial. Hemoximetry is the most effective method in this case because it provides a comprehensive analysis of the patient's hemoglobin and can differentiate between various types of hemoglobin, including oxyhemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin. This capability is essential because patients exposed to smoke may not only experience hypoxia from oxygen deprivation but also carbon monoxide toxicity, which is commonly encountered in fire scenarios. Hemoximetry offers precise information about the percentage of carboxyhemoglobin, which is pivotal for effective treatment decisions.

Other methods of assessment, such as measurement of PaO2, can indicate the oxygenation status but do not provide specific information about carbon monoxide levels or other toxic substances present in smoke. Single-wavelength pulse oximetry, while useful for measuring the saturation of oxyhemoglobin, cannot distinguish between oxyhemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin, leading to potential misinterpretations in the context of carbon monoxide exposure. Bedside pulmonary function testing evaluates lung function but does not directly assess the presence or extent of smoke inhalation, making it less relevant for immediate evaluation in this context. Therefore, hemoximetry stands out as