What is the purpose of administering oxygen in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Administering oxygen in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning serves a crucial role in decreasing the half-life of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream. Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, preventing oxygen from effectively binding and being transported throughout the body. By providing high-concentration oxygen, it helps displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, facilitating its elimination from the body. The half-life of carbon monoxide is significantly reduced when a patient is given 100% oxygen, which accelerates the process of recovery and decreases the risk of damage to vital organs.

While options related to increasing overall oxygen saturation or enhancing lung function may sound relevant, their primary role is not as direct or impactful in the context of carbon monoxide exposure. Additionally, preventing pulmonary flooding is not a focus in this scenario since the main issue with carbon monoxide poisoning is its effect on hemoglobin, rather than problems related to lung fluid dynamics.