Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Question 1

In AKT questions, what might they hint at with regards to housing & carbon monoxide poisoning etc?

Answer 1

That there may be poorly maintained housing (e.g. student houses etc)

Question 2

What are some features of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Answer 2

• Headache: 90% of cases
• Nausea and vomiting: 50%
• Vertigo: 50%
• Confusion: 30%
• Subjective weakness: 20%
• Severe toxicity: ‘pink’ skin and mucosae, hyperpyrexia, arrhythmias, extrapyramidal features, coma, death

Question 3

What are some typical carboxyhaemoglobin levels that they might throw at you in the exam?

Answer 3

• < 3% non-smokers
• < 10% smokers
• 10 - 30% symptomatic: headache, vomiting
• > 30% severe toxicity

Question 4

How should carbon monoxide poisoning be managed/

Answer 4

• 100% oxygen
• Hyperbaric oxygen chamber

Question 5

What are some inidcations for hyperbaric oxygen treatment?

Answer 5

• Loss of consciousness at any point
• Neurological signs other than headache
• Myocardial ischaemia or arrhythmia
• Pregnancy