Question

After assisting with a house fire, an injured 30 year old firefighter was admitted to the Emergency Room with a broken hand and lacerations on his arm. He complained that he had a headache and was nauseas, out of breath, and dizzy. His mucous membranes, particularly around his mouth were cherry red in color. His hand and lacerations were treated but he was admitted to the hospital for respiratory treatments. His hematology and chemistry lab work-up were within normal range. The doctor ordered a differential venous blood gas. The results were as follows: Test Request Differential Blood Gas Result Reference Range Carboxyhemoglobin 8.7 0 – 2.5 Oxyhemoglobin 91 94 – 98 (arterial range) Methemoglobin 1.1 0.4 – 1.2 Sulfhemoglobin 0 0 – 0.5 What is causing the firefighter’s symptoms of headache, nauseas, dizziness, and a feeling of being out of breath? Is it reasonable to give an arterial range for oxyhemoglobin done on a venous specimen? Why or why not? Would you expect this patient to be acidotic or alkalotic? Explain. Why are firefighters more prone to getting this condition?

          After assisting with a house fire, an injured 30 year old firefighter was admitted to the Emergency Room with a broken hand and lacerations on his arm. He complained that he had a headache and was nauseas, out of breath, and dizzy. His mucous membranes, particularly around his mouth were cherry red in color. His hand and lacerations were treated but he was admitted to the hospital for respiratory treatments. His hematology and chemistry lab work-up were within normal range. The doctor ordered a differential venous blood gas. The results were as follows:

Test Request
Differential Blood Gas
Result
Reference Range
Carboxyhemoglobin 8.7 0 – 2.5
Oxyhemoglobin 91 94 – 98 (arterial range)
Methemoglobin 1.1 0.4 – 1.2
Sulfhemoglobin 0 0 – 0.5

What is causing the firefighter’s symptoms of headache, nauseas, dizziness, and a feeling of being out of breath?
Is it reasonable to give an arterial range for oxyhemoglobin done on a venous specimen? Why or why not?
Would you expect this patient to be acidotic or alkalotic? Explain.
Why are firefighters more prone to getting this condition?

After assisting with a house fire, an injured 30 year old firefighter was admitted to the Emergency Room with a broken hand and lacerations on his arm. He complained that he had a headache and was nauseas, out of breath, and dizzy. His mucous membranes, particularly around his mouth were cherry red in color. His hand and lacerations were treated but he was admitted to the hospital for respiratory treatments. His hematology and chemistry lab work-up were within normal range. The doctor ordered a differential venous blood gas. The results were as follows:

Test Request
Differential Blood Gas
Result
Reference Range
Carboxyhemoglobin 8.7 0 – 2.5
Oxyhemoglobin 91 94 – 98 (arterial range)
Methemoglobin 1.1 0.4 – 1.2
Sulfhemoglobin 0 0 – 0.5

What is causing the firefighter’s symptoms of headache, nauseas, dizziness, and a feeling of being out of breath?
Is it reasonable to give an arterial range for oxyhemoglobin done on a venous specimen? Why or why not?
Would you expect this patient to be acidotic or alkalotic? Explain.
Why are firefighters more prone to getting this condition?

Added by Stephanie M.

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