Q. 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) patient even though he was alert and talking. Why?

* Once stabilized the patient was moved to the 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 patient although there was no sign of an infection. Why?