Question

A victim of a car fire is confused, dizzy, and nauseated. What diagnostic test should be done to determine if this patient is experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning?

1) Chest x-ray
2) Bronchoscopy
3) Pulse oximeter
4) Carboxyhemoglobin level

Answer 1

To determine if a patient is experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, a carboxyhemoglobin level test should be done. This test measures the percentage of carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin in the blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine if a patient is experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, a carboxyhemoglobin level test should be done. This test measures the percentage of carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin in the blood. It provides a direct measurement of carbon monoxide exposure and can confirm the presence of carbon monoxide poisoning. Other diagnostic tests such as a chest x-ray, bronchoscopy, or pulse oximeter may be used to assess the patient's overall condition but do not specifically diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning.