RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1667 of 2368

A client with carbon monoxide poisoning has an SpO2 of 99% but is confused and short of breath. How should the nurse interpret the reading?

  1. The reading is accurate, so the client has enough oxygen at the tissues
  2. The reading is falsely low because of poor circulation to the fingers
  3. The reading may be falsely high because other molecules attach to hemoglobin
  4. The reading proves that the client's symptoms are caused by anxiety only
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Correct answer: The reading may be falsely high because other molecules attach to hemoglobin

In carbon monoxide poisoning, other molecules bind hemoglobin and falsely raise SpO2, so the client may still lack oxygen.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Oxygen Therapy: Pulse Oximeter. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026