A nurse managing a patient with carbon monoxide poisoning should consider the possibility of an...

Pulse oximetry (SpO₂)is inaccurate incarbon monoxide (CO) poisoningbecause itcannot differentiate between oxyhemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin. SpO₂ may appear falsely normal despitesevere hypoxia. Direct measurement withco-oximetryis required for accurate oxygen saturation.

“In CO poisoning, SpO₂ readings are falsely elevated due to inability to distinguish carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin. Co-oximetry is needed to assess true oxygenation.”

(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Pulmonary, Toxic Inhalation and Oxygenation Monitoring)