An individual has arterial hypoxemia; PaO₂ = 50 mmHg. Which possible cause of this hypoxemia would cause the largest elevation in arterial PCO₂? A) High altitude B) Diffusion impairment C) Physiological shunt D) Pulmonary embolism E) Hypoventilation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypoventilation leads to the largest elevation in arterial PCO2 because it results in an inadequate expulsion of CO2 from the body. This causes CO2 to accumulate in the blood, significantly increasing its partial pressure.

An Individual Has Arterial Hypoxemia; PaO2 = 50 MmHg

An Individual Has Arterial Hypoxemia; PaO₂ = 50 MmHg