Sodium nitrite can increase methemoglobin levels, which will decrease blood oxygenation

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the Emergency Preparedness Response Course (EPRC) – Clinician Course Test. Dive into multiple choice questions, utilize flashcards for better retention, and explore hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Ace your exam with comprehensive learning!

Multiple Choice

Sodium nitrite can increase methemoglobin levels, which will decrease blood oxygenation

Explanation:
Methemoglobinemia lowers the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Sodium nitrite is an oxidizing agent that converts hemoglobin’s iron from Fe2+ to Fe3+, forming methemoglobin. Methemoglobin cannot bind or effectively release oxygen, so as levels rise, less functional hemoglobin is available to carry O2. This reduces blood oxygenation and tissue oxygen delivery, which is why the statement that sodium nitrite can increase methemoglobin levels, leading to decreased blood oxygenation, is the correct one. The other options don’t describe this mechanism: there isn’t a specific bradycardia risk as the primary effect, there is a real effect on oxygenation, and it does not increase oxygenation.

Methemoglobinemia lowers the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Sodium nitrite is an oxidizing agent that converts hemoglobin’s iron from Fe2+ to Fe3+, forming methemoglobin. Methemoglobin cannot bind or effectively release oxygen, so as levels rise, less functional hemoglobin is available to carry O2. This reduces blood oxygenation and tissue oxygen delivery, which is why the statement that sodium nitrite can increase methemoglobin levels, leading to decreased blood oxygenation, is the correct one. The other options don’t describe this mechanism: there isn’t a specific bradycardia risk as the primary effect, there is a real effect on oxygenation, and it does not increase oxygenation.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy