How does methemoglobinemia affect the oxygen-binding properties of hemoglobin?
A
It increases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues
✓
B
It decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, leading to increased oxygen delivery to tissues
C
It has no effect on the oxygen-binding properties of hemoglobin, as methemoglobin cannot bind oxygen
D
It shifts the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve to the right, facilitating oxygen release to tissues
Explanation
Methemoglobinemia is a condition characterized by an abnormal amount of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin that cannot bind oxygen. This leads to a left-shift of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve, increasing the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and resulting in decreased oxygen delivery to tissues.
Source
Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology
Hematology
Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport
Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport
Hard
MEDICAL
Confidence: high