Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 104 of 2368
Why can the SpO2 reading be falsely elevated in a client who was exposed to carbon monoxide?
- Carbon monoxide dissolves in plasma and raises the PaO2.
- Carbon monoxide attaches to hemoglobin.
- Carbon monoxide decreases the client's cardiac output.
- Carbon monoxide lowers the client's hemoglobin level.
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Correct answer: Carbon monoxide attaches to hemoglobin.
Other substances such as carbon monoxide can attach to hemoglobin and cause a falsely high SpO2.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Oxygenation: Measuring Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, and Acid Base Levels. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026