system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 31-year-old man presents with a headache, myalgias, nausea, irritability, and forgetfulness. He developed these symptoms gradually over the past 3 months. He is a motor mechanic, and he changed his place of work 4 months ago. He smokes a half a pack of cigarettes per day. His vaccinations are up to date. On presentation, his vital signs are as follows: blood pressure is 145/70 mm Hg, heart rate is 94/min, respiratory rate is 17/min, and temperature is 36.8℃ (98.2℉). Physical examination reveals diffuse erythema of the face and chest and slight abdominal distention. Neurological examination shows symmetrical brisk upper and lower extremities reflexes. Blood tests show the following results:
pH 7.31
Po2 301 mm Hg
Pco2 28 mm Hg
Na+ 141 mEq/L
K+ 4.3 mEq/L
Cl- 109 mEq/L
HCO3- 17 mEq/L
Base Excess -3 mEq/L
Carboxyhemoglobin  38%
Methemoglobin 1%
Serum cyanide 0.35 mcg/mL (Reference range 0.5–1 mcg/mL)
Which of the following statements about the patient’s condition is true?
assistant
This patient’s symptoms are due to CO-induced inactivation of cytochrome oxidase and carboxyhemoglobin formation.