2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Question 1

Carbon Monoxide (CO) has a greater affinity for

Answer 1

hemoglobin than oxygen – approximately 230 times greater! (Figure 4-10)

Question 2

In the presence of CO, oxygen

Answer 2

cannot be carried –> tissue hypoxia

Question 3

Do NOT use ___ to monitor the oxygenation status for a pt with CO poisoning.

Answer 3

pulse oximetry

The pulse oximeter cannot differentiate between CO and O2. Therefore, an SpO2 of 95% in the presence of CO poisoning, only means that the hemoglobin is saturation with a total of 95% molecules

Question 4

If the CO level of blood is 40%, the maximum amount of O2 that can be carried by hemoglobin is ___

Answer 4

60%

Question 5

Carboxyhemoglobn (COH) levels and associated clinical presentation:

Answer 5

0-5% = Normal
< 15% = Often in smokers, truck drivers
15 - 40% = Headache, some confusion
40-60% = Loss of consciousness, Cheyne-Stokes
respiration
50-70% = Mortality > 50%

Question 6

***Treatment of CO poisoning

Answer 6

100% FiO2 until symptoms resolve and
carboxyhemoglobin level is < 10%

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber if available, generally w/in
30 min