When lying down,a subject's respiratory rate is 12 breaths per minute,his anatomical dead space is 150 mL,and his minute ventilation is 7 L/min.Which of these is closest to his alveolar ventilation in liters per minute?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alveolar ventilation = (tidal volume - anatomical dead space) x respiratory rate
Tidal volume = Minute ventilation / respiratory rate = 7 L/min / 12 breaths per minute = 0.583 L/breath.
Alveolar ventilation = (0.583 L/breath - 0.15 L/breath) x 12 breaths per minute = 5.196 L/min, which is closest to choice B (5.2).

When Lying Down,a Subject's Respiratory Rate Is 12 Breaths Per