If a patient is exposed to carbon monoxide, what should you do despite their SpO2 reading?

When a patient is exposed to carbon monoxide, the critical goal is to quickly reduce the levels of carbon monoxide in their bloodstream. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin more readily than oxygen does, making it vital to administer high concentrations of oxygen.

Using a nonrebreather mask is the most effective method in this situation, as it delivers oxygen at a high flow rate and minimizes the amount of room air inhaled by the patient. This set-up ensures that the patient receives a concentrated flow of oxygen, which helps to displace the carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, thereby aiding in its elimination from the body.

Diving deeper into the context, even if the patient’s oxygen saturation (SpO2) reading is misleadingly high, this is because the pulse oximeter cannot differentiate between hemoglobin bound to carbon monoxide and that bound to oxygen. Therefore, relying solely on SpO2 readings can lead to underestimation of the severity of carbon monoxide exposure. Hence, providing supplemental oxygen, specifically through a nonrebreather mask, is essential in managing carbon monoxide poisoning effectively.

While other forms of oxygen delivery, such as a nasal cannula, bag-valve mask, or simple mask, can offer oxygen, they do not provide the