Which monitoring may be used in ingestion poisoning if available?

Which monitoring may be used in ingestion poisoning if available?

• A. EEG
• B. Carboxyhemoglobin monitor PRN, if available
• C. CT scan
• D. Urine toxicology screen

Answer: (B)

Ingestion poisoning can impair oxygen delivery, so having a real-time measure of carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin is valuable. A carboxyhemoglobin monitor, when available, quickly tells you if CO poisoning is present and helps guide urgent treatment with high-flow oxygen (and consideration of hyperbaric therapy if indicated). Other options don’t provide timely, decision-rich data for the acute phase: EEG is for brain electrical activity and isn’t used to guide poisoning management; CT scans look for structural injury rather than toxin effects; and urine toxicology screens may not detect the toxin promptly or change immediate management.

Ingestion poisoning can impair oxygen delivery, so having a real-time measure of carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin is valuable. A carboxyhemoglobin monitor, when available, quickly tells you if CO poisoning is present and helps guide urgent treatment with high-flow oxygen (and consideration of hyperbaric therapy if indicated). Other options don’t provide timely, decision-rich data for the acute phase: EEG is for brain electrical activity and isn’t used to guide poisoning management; CT scans look for structural injury rather than toxin effects; and urine toxicology screens may not detect the toxin promptly or change immediate management.