Which option is NOT listed as a treatment or mitigating step for carbon monoxide poisoning?

• A. Oral rehydration
• B. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• C. Fresh air (as a standalone step)
• D. 100% O2 administration

Answer: (D)

Managing carbon monoxide poisoning centers on removing the person from exposure and delivering high concentrations of oxygen to displace CO from hemoglobin. Fresh air is an immediate, simple step to stop ongoing exposure. Providing 100% oxygen speeds the replacement of CO with oxygen, dramatically shortening the CO binding time and improving oxygen delivery to tissues. In more severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used because the higher pressure of oxygen can further reduce CO levels and help prevent neurological complications. Oral rehydration, while important for general care, does not affect CO binding or elimination and is not part of the treatment strategy for CO poisoning.