Chapter 34, Problem 41A

Summary Introduction

To explain:

That which subject might have been poisoned by carbon monoxide that prevents tissue cells from using oxygen and why.

Introduction:

An excessive hemoglobin count determines an above-normal level of the iron-consisting protein in red blood cells. Hemoglobin (commonly abbreviated as Hb or Hgb) is the oxygen-carrying element of red blood cells. Human blood color is red because of this hemoglobin protein; it also helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the other part of the body and carbon dioxide returns to the lungs to be exhaled.

Explanation of Solution

Hemoglobin in the blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body (i.e. the tissues). Subject A, B, C, D, and E have hemoglobin content 15, 15, 8, 16, 15 respectively. Subject C has low oxygen contents of blood in arteries, i.e. 9.5 and also low hb content i.e. 8. Person C could be affected by C poisoning. As his blood Hemoglobin levels and oxygen levels in arteries are low, he might be getting less O2 to his body organs.

Conclusion

Thus, we can say that subject C might have lived at a high altitude where the atmospheric oxygen because it has low hemoglobin and oxygen content of blood in arteries.