When a portion of the lung is unavailable for gas exchange, yet pulmonary circulation continues in that area of the lung, a condition known as ________ results.
A) pulsus paradoxus
B) ventilation/perfusion mismatch
C) atelectasis
D) eupnea

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch occurs when there is an imbalance between air flow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs. In the case described, a portion of the lung is unavailable for gas exchange, leading to a V/Q mismatch. Atelectasis (C) is the collapse of a small area of the lung, which can lead to a V/Q mismatch as well but is not the best answer for the scenario described. Pulsus paradoxus (A) refers to a decrease in systolic blood pressure during inhalation and is not related to the scenario described. Eupnea (D) refers to normal breathing and is not related to the scenario described.

When a Portion of the Lung Is Unavailable for Gas