Your patient has been exposed to carbon monoxide during a house fire. How should the patient's PaO₂ value be interpreted? A) Accurate oxygenation reading B)Higher than actual oxygenation reading C)False normal oxygenation reading D)It should match the CO₂ value.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide binds more strongly to hemoglobin than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin. This reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried in the blood, resulting in a false normal oxygenation reading despite the patient actually being hypoxic.

Your Patient Has Been Exposed to Carbon Monoxide During a House