A pulse oximeter reading may be falsely unreliable in a patient with:

A pulse oximeter reading may be falsely

Multiple choice — select the best answer

AWarm fingertips
BHigh cardiac output
CCarbon monoxide poisoning
DNormal hemoglobin

✓ Correct answer: C. Carbon monoxide poisoning Standard pulse oximetry cannot distinguish carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin, so SpO2 reads falsely high in CO poisoning; co-oximetry is required.

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Topic: Patient Assessment

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A pulse oximeter reading may be falsely unreliable in a patient with:

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