Carbon Mono Oxide Poisoning
ANSWERS
When carbon monoxide accumulates in your bloodstream, it causes carbon monoxide poisoning. When there is excessive carbon monoxide in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can result in severe tissue damage or even death.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal, or other fuel is burned. Improperly ventilated appliances and engines, particularly in a tightly sealed or enclosed space, may accumulate dangerous carbon monoxide levels.
If you suspect that you or someone with carbon monoxide poisoning, get some fresh air and seek emergency medical attention.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Breathing difficulty
- Confusion
- Vision impairment
- Consciousness loss
Carbon monoxide poisoning is especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or drunk. Before anyone realizes there is a problem, people may suffer irreversible brain damage or even die.
QUESTION
Carbon Mono Oxide Poisoning
Q. You evaluate a patient following treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning. You should document that the treatment was effective if which finding was present?
a) The patient is sleeping soundly
b) The patient is awake and talking
c) The heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia
d) Carboxyhaemoglobin levels are less than 5%