Which condition is associated with metabolic shock due to an inability to transport oxygen?

Metabolic shock occurs when the body's cells are unable to utilize oxygen effectively, despite normal or increased oxygen delivery. When considering the options, cyanide poisoning is particularly relevant because it directly impairs the cells' ability to use oxygen. Cyanide interferes with the cellular metabolism, specifically inhibiting the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This inhibition prevents cells from effectively using oxygen to produce ATP, leading to cellular hypoxia even when oxygen is present in adequate amounts in the bloodstream.

In the context of the other conditions: pulmonary embolism involves an obstruction in the pulmonary arteries, which affects blood flow and oxygen transport, but does not directly inhibit cellular oxygen utilization like cyanide does. Cardiac tamponade involves pressure on the heart that affects its ability to pump blood, which can lead to cardiogenic shock but does not primarily cause a metabolic defect in oxygen usage. Tension pneumothorax involves air trapped in the pleural space, also impacting lung function and oxygenation, but again does not directly cause a cellular inability to utilize oxygen as cyanide poisoning does. Therefore, cyanide poisoning stands out as the condition most closely associated with metabolic shock due to its direct effect on cellular oxygen utilization.