Which statement about carbon monoxide poisoning treatment is true according to the material?

Which statement about carbon monoxide poisoning treatment is true according to the material?

• A. 100% O2 is used as part of treatment
• B. Antibiotics are first-line treatment
• C. Oral rehydration cures CO poisoning
• D. No medical treatment is needed

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is that removing the injury to oxygen delivery is achieved with high-concentration oxygen therapy. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, so it reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to tissues. Breathing 100% oxygen speeds disassociation of CO from hemoglobin and increases the dissolved oxygen in plasma, which improves tissue oxygenation and dramatically shortens the time CO stays bound to hemoglobin. This is why providing 100% oxygen is the primary treatment. Other options don’t address the underlying problem: antibiotics don’t treat CO poisoning, oral rehydration doesn’t reverse CO binding, and doing nothing would leave tissues hypoxic. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen may be used, but the standard initial step remains high-flow 100% oxygen, along with removing the person from the exposure and providing supportive care.

The main concept here is that removing the injury to oxygen delivery is achieved with high-concentration oxygen therapy. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, so it reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to tissues. Breathing 100% oxygen speeds disassociation of CO from hemoglobin and increases the dissolved oxygen in plasma, which improves tissue oxygenation and dramatically shortens the time CO stays bound to hemoglobin. This is why providing 100% oxygen is the primary treatment. Other options don’t address the underlying problem: antibiotics don’t treat CO poisoning, oral rehydration doesn’t reverse CO binding, and doing nothing would leave tissues hypoxic. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen may be used, but the standard initial step remains high-flow 100% oxygen, along with removing the person from the exposure and providing supportive care.