The oxygenation status of a burn victim is most appropriately measured by which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients who have been in a fire have been exposed to carbon monoxide (CO)and are very likely to have elevated HbCO levels.In vitro and in vivo blood gas analyzers calculate O₂Hb levels,so a CO-oximeter is appropriate because it measures the O₂Hb directly and will also provide the HbCO level.High levels of HbCO can adversely affect a pulse oximeter because HbCO is relatively transparent to IR light and can lead to an overestimation of pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (SpO₂).

The Oxygenation Status of a Burn Victim Is Most Appropriately