What is the primary objective in treating CO toxicity?

The primary objective in treating carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity is oxygen supplementation. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in the blood more readily than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. This results in tissue hypoxia, which can cause severe neurological and systemic effects.

Administering supplemental oxygen is crucial because it helps displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, allowing the body to restore its oxygen-carrying capacity and facilitate recovery from the toxic effects. In cases of severe CO poisoning, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered to further enhance the elimination of carbon monoxide and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

While immediate evacuation from the exposure source is important for safety, it does not directly address the physiological effects of CO toxicity. Other options, such as administration of antidotes or neurosurgical intervention, are not relevant for CO poisoning, as there are no specific antidotes for CO and surgical procedures are not part of the standard treatment protocol for this type of toxicity.