A 45-year-old male is found unconscious in a house fire. He has extensive burns and suspected inhalation injury. His COHb level measured by a pre-hosp...

Question

A 45-year-old male is found unconscious in a house fire. He has extensive burns and suspected inhalation injury. His COHb level measured by a pre-hospital co-oximeter is 45%. He is intubated and ventilated with 100% oxygen. What is the expected half-life of COHb on 100% normobaric oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 60-90 minutes - compared to 4-6 hours on room air; high-flow 100% oxygen significantly accelerates CO dissociation from haemoglobin

Answer

Approximately 12 hours on 100% oxygen

Answer

Approximately 24 hours - CO is very slowly eliminated regardless of oxygen

Answer

The half-life is unchanged by oxygen therapy

Answer

Approximately 5 minutes - CO is rapidly eliminated

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): COHb Half-Life on Oxygen

A 45-year-old male is found unconscious in a house fire. He has extensive burns and suspected inhalation injury. His COHb level measured by a pre-hospital co-oximeter is 45%. He is intubated and ventilated with 100% oxygen. What is the expected half-life of COHb on 100% normobaric oxygen?