Final answer:
The administration of 100 percent oxygen through a non-rebreathing mask is the appropriate treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning because it aids in the dissociation of carbon monoxide from carboxyhemoglobin, converting it back to hemoglobin faster. Administering carbon dioxide would not be therapeutic in such cases. Severe instances of poisoning may require hyperbaric chamber treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a conscious patient who has inhaled a poisonous gas, the appropriate oxygen delivery device to use is the non-rebreathing mask. This type of mask delivers close to 100 percent oxygen and prevents the patient from breathing in any of the room air or the remaining poisonous gases. The administration of 100 percent oxygen is critical in situations like carbon monoxide poisoning because it helps the dissociation of carbon monoxide from carboxyhemoglobin and turns it back into hemoglobin. This shortens the half-life of carbon monoxide from 320 minutes to just 80 minutes when breathing pure oxygen. Giving carbon dioxide would not work and is not therapeutic, as it does not displace carbon monoxide or provide the necessary oxygen to the body that is deprived during carbon monoxide poisoning.
Consideration of a hyperbaric chamber may also arise. This device can expose a patient to 100 percent oxygen at increased pressure, which may further enhance the dissociation of carbon monoxide from hemoglobin and is especially useful in severe cases or for pregnant women due to the potentially severe effects on the baby.