Different toxins can lead to characteristic changes in blood gases:
Carbon monoxide poisoning: Reduced PaO2 and increased carboxyhemoglobin levels, leading to hypoxia. Cyanide poisoning: Normal PaO2 but impaired cellular oxygen utilization, leading to metabolic acidosis. Salicylate poisoning: Mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis due to direct stimulation of the respiratory center and accumulation of organic acids.
