Final answer:
The administration of 100 percent oxygen saves a patient from carbon monoxide poisoning by replacing the carbon monoxide in the bloodstream with oxygen. Giving carbon dioxide wouldn't work because carbon dioxide is not a suitable substitute for oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The administration of 100 percent oxygen saves a patient from carbon monoxide poisoning by replacing the carbon monoxide in the bloodstream with oxygen. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing them from carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. By providing high levels of oxygen, the body can clear the carbon monoxide and restore normal oxygen delivery.
Giving carbon dioxide wouldn't work because carbon dioxide is not a suitable substitute for oxygen. Carbon dioxide is a waste product produced by the body's cells and is normally expelled through respiration. It is not able to bind to hemoglobin and cannot fulfill the role of oxygen in supporting bodily functions.