Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

Carbon monoxide poisoning primarily affects all of the following organs EXCEPT?

1. Heart

2. Brain

3. Stomach

4. Skeletal muscle

The correct answer is: Stomach

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a critical condition that impacts the body's ability to transport oxygen. When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells much more effectively than oxygen, leading to a lack of oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues. The heart, brain, and skeletal muscles are all highly susceptible to the effects of reduced oxygen. The heart requires a continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood to maintain its function and can suffer damage quickly when deprived of oxygen. The brain is particularly sensitive to hypoxia; it can begin to function improperly within minutes of oxygen deprivation, leading to serious neurological impairment. Skeletal muscle, while slightly more resilient than the heart or brain, can still experience damage and dysfunction due to a lack of oxygen. In contrast, the stomach is less directly impacted by carbon monoxide poisoning. While the gastrointestinal system may react to systemic hypoxia (such as through nausea or other nonspecific symptoms), it is not as reliant on immediate oxygen supplies as the heart, brain, or skeletal muscles. Therefore, in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, the stomach is less likely to be highly affected, making it the correct choice for organs primarily unaffected in this acute scenario.