What is included as a treatment option for carbon monoxide poisoning?

• A. 100% O2
• B. Oral antibiotics
• C. Hydration with milk
• D. Heat therapy

Answer: (A)

Providing 100% oxygen is the treatment because carbon monoxide binds very strongly to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin and drastically reducing the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to tissues. Giving pure oxygen speeds the replacement of CO on hemoglobin and increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood, effectively washing CO out and restoring oxygen delivery. This dramatically shortens the time the body remains poisoned. In more severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used to accelerate clearance and reduce risk of brain injury. The other options don’t address the cause—oral antibiotics, hydration with milk, and heat therapy do not reverse CO binding or improve oxygen delivery.