Patients with chronic bronchitis usually maintain a normal PaO₂ and PaCO₂ until late in the course of the disease.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients with chronic bronchitis often develop respiratory acidosis due to the retention of carbon dioxide caused by their impaired lung function. This results in an increased PaCO2 and a decreased pH. Therefore, the statement that these patients usually maintain a normal PaO2 and PaCO2 until late in the course of the disease is false.

Patients with Chronic Bronchitis Usually Maintain a Normal PaO2 and PaCO2

Patients with Chronic Bronchitis Usually Maintain a Normal PaO₂ and PaCO₂