Quiz - 18 - Diving Knowledge Workbook - Diving Physiology

[Pedro Burrito]

From the Diving Physiology Section of the PADI Diving Knowledge Workbook Version 2.02 © PADI 2009:

Objective 2.6 - Explain the physiological effect of increased carbon monoxide levels (including cigarette smoking) on the diver and how they can be avoided.

Question 2

Carbon monoxide bonds with hemoglobin over ___ times more readily than oxygen can, and takes ___ for the circulatory system to eliminate it.

a. 200 / 8-12 hours

b. 100 / 4-6 hours

c. 50 / 2-4 hours

d. 20 / 30 minutes​

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[Pedro Burrito]

Spoiler: Answer

a. 200 / 8-12 hours

The molecular structure of carbon monoxide enables it to combine with hemoglobin more readily than can oxygen - 200 times more readily. In fact, the bonding of carbon monoxide and hemoglobin is so strong that it takes over eight hours for it to be released from the bloodstream.