A patient has been exposed to carbon monoxide during a house fire. An ABG result shows a normal PaO₂. How should the patient's PaO₂ value be interpreted? A) The PaO₂ is being falsely elevated by the carbon monoxide. B) The PaO₂ is being falsely decreased by the carbon monoxide. C) The PaO₂ is accurate. D) The PaO₂ is a false measurement because the presence of carbon monoxide makes the analyzer unable to determine the PaO₂.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's plasma PaO₂ value may be normal or high. This can mislead the respiratory therapist because the patient's total oxygen value (CaO₂) is low. Remember that carbon monoxide will prevent hemoglobin from carrying oxygen.

A Patient Has Been Exposed to Carbon Monoxide During a House