If a patient develops acidosis,the nurse would expect the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to react in which manner?
A) Shift to the right, causing more oxygen (O2) to be released to the cells
B) Shift to the left, allowing less O2 to be released to the cells
C) Show no change, allowing the O2 concentration to remain stable
D) Show dramatic fluctuation, allowing the O2 concentration to increase

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A shift to the right depicts hemoglobin's decreased affinity for O₂ or an increase in the ease with which oxyhemoglobin dissociates and O₂ moves into the cells.The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is shifted to the right by acidosis (low pH)and hypercapnia (increased partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide [PaCO₂]).This selection is the only option that accurately identifies what will happen to the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve if acidosis occurs.

If a Patient Develops Acidosis,the Nurse Would Expect the Oxyhemoglobin