What is the priority intervention for a nurse upon the arrival of a client with carbon monoxide poisoning?

Administering 100% oxygen is the priority intervention for a client presenting with carbon monoxide poisoning because carbon monoxide (CO) binds to hemoglobin in the blood, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which prevents effective oxygen transport to tissues. High concentrations of CO can lead to hypoxia and cellular damage. The provision of 100% oxygen helps to displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, reducing its concentration in the blood and facilitating the elimination of CO from the body. This intervention is critical in managing the acute effects of CO poisoning and improving oxygen delivery to vital organs.

While obtaining blood for carboxyhemoglobin levels is important for diagnosis and monitoring, it does not provide immediate treatment for the life-threatening effects of CO exposure. Having a crisis counselor available may be beneficial, especially if the incident is tied to potential self-harm or suicidal ideation, but it does not address the immediate medical emergency. Instituting suicide precautions might be relevant in specific contexts but does not take precedence over addressing the acute physiological danger presented by carbon monoxide poisoning. Thus, providing 100% oxygen is the most urgent and effective intervention in this scenario.