Why Should the Pulse Oximeter Not Be Used to Assess

question 11

Multiple Choice

Why should the pulse oximeter not be used to assess HbO₂ concentration in carbon monoxide poisoning?

• A)O₂ and CO have similar light-absorption spectra and thus give a falsely high value for HbO₂
• B)Because of any methemoglobin that might be present
• C)Intravascular dyes for diagnostic purposes make the oximeter inaccurate
• D)Because CO prevents the oximeter from reading oxygen

---

Definitions:

Weber's Law

A principle that states the smallest change in a stimulus, such as weight or brightness, that can be detected is a constant proportion of the original stimulus's intensity.

Differential Threshold

The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli or the minimum change in intensity that a person can detect.

Marketers

Professionals or organizations responsible for promoting, selling, and distributing products or services to customers.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum stimulus intensity that an organism can detect half the time.