<prompt> Mechanism of action of sodium nitrite in cyanide poisoning:Produces methemoglobinemiaIncreased blood flow to liverIncreased blood flow to heartIncreased blood flow to kidney  <response>: Ans. A Produces methemoglobinemiaRef: KDT 8the p591Sodium nitroprusside contains one iron molecule coordinated to five cyanide molecules and one molecule of nitric oxide. Prolonged use of sodium nitroprusside may result in cyanide poisoning.Detoxification occurs when cyanide and methemoglobin combine to form cyanomethemoglobin. Amyl nitrite or sodium nitrite enhance the oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin, ensuring a reliable mechanism of detoxification. 