TOX 5 - Carbon monoxide

Question 1

COHb levels in body

Answer 1

Normal - 1% (5-10% in smokers)
40% - collapse
60% - death

Question 2

Mechanism of action

Answer 2

Reversible binding to Hb reducing affinity for oxygen. There is reduction of oxygen transport and the heart is most affected

Question 3

Clinical symptoms

Answer 3

Progressive hypoxia:

1. Psychomotor impairment
2. Headache
3. Blurred vision, loss of visual acuity
4. Tachycardia, tachypnea, syncope, coma
5. Deep coma, convulsions, respiratory failure, shock

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

Remove exposure

Maintain respiration and administer oxygen

Question 5

Chronic intoxication

Answer 5

Headache, insomnia, memory loss