Which of the following is a symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are primarily related to the impact of carbon monoxide on the body's ability to transport oxygen. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin more effectively than oxygen, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the body's tissues. This can lead to symptoms such as headache and confusion, which result from decreased oxygen delivery to the brain.

Both headache and confusion are often among the first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. As the condition progresses, it can lead to more severe symptoms, including dizziness, weakness, and loss of consciousness. Recognizing this combination of headache and confusion is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning.

While the other symptoms listed, such as excessive sweating, chest pain, and increased heart rate, can occur in various medical conditions, they are not specifically indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning in the same way that headache and confusion are. Thus, identifying headache and confusion as key symptoms helps differentiate carbon monoxide exposure from other potential health issues.