A nurse assists a patient with dyspnea to sit in a high Fowler position.What process allows gravity to help move oxygen from the pulmonary capillaries into the blood when the patient is in this position?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gravity helps to improve oxygen exchange through the process of diffusion. When in a high Fowler position, the patient's lungs are expanded and the alveoli are more open, allowing for more gas exchange to occur. Diffusion is the process by which oxygen moves from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, and this process is facilitated by the increase in surface area available for gas exchange in the lungs when in a high Fowler position. Active transport, filtration, and osmosis do not play a significant role in improving oxygen exchange in this position.

A Nurse Assists a Patient with Dyspnea to Sit in a High