Blast injury — DipIMC MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Suspect carbon monoxide, give high-concentration oxygen and assess urgently
The best answer is “Suspect carbon monoxide, give high-concentration oxygen and assess urgently”. Conventional two-wavelength pulse oximetry cannot distinguish oxyhaemoglobin from carboxyhaemoglobin and can appear normal in serious carbon-monoxide poisoning. Remove the patient from exposure, give high-concentration oxygen, support ABCs and arrange urgent assessment with co-oximetry and toxicology or hyperbaric advice when indicated. A reassuring displayed saturation must not delay treatment in a compatible exposure.
Reference: UKHSA, Carbon monoxide: general information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-monoxide-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/carbon-monoxide-general-information