Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A 39-year-old female executive has a several-month history of fatigue, headache, and memory lapse. During a period of feeling worse than usual, she called a friend, who arrived at the residence to find the woman semicomatose and called 911. The patient was given supplemental oxygen and transported to the emergency department, where she is alert and has nonfocal findings on examination. Her carboxyhemoglobin level is 18%. How should she be treated? What is her expected outcome? A 39-year-old woman is found semicomatose at her residence. She is given supplemental oxygen and transported to the emergency department. Her carboxyhemoglobin level is 18%. How should she be treated? What is her expected outcome? Foreword This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they exist. The article ends with the author's clinical recommendations. Stage A 39-year-old female executive has a several-month history of fatigue, headache, and memory lapse. Multiple specialists have performed evaluations, but no diagnosis has been established. During a period of feeling worse than usual, she called a friend, who arrived at the residence to find the woman semicomatose and called 911. The patient was given supplemental oxygen and transported to the emergency department, where she is alert and has nonfocal findings on examination. Her carboxyhemoglobin level is 18%. How should she be treated? What is the expected outcome? The Clinical Problem Carbon monoxide poisoning is common, resulting in more than . . .