What changes would be expected in the ventilation-perfusion ratio in the presence of excessive blood loss?
A) The ventilation-perfusion ratio will increase.
B) The ventilation-perfusion ratio will decrease
C) The ventilation-perfusion ratio will remain constant
D) The ventilation-perfusion ratio initially decreases will increase then will decrease dramatically

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ventilation-perfusion ratio will increase due to a decrease in perfusion (blood flow) while ventilation may remain relatively unchanged. In excessive blood loss, the amount of blood available to be oxygenated in the lungs decreases, but the amount of air reaching the alveoli does not decrease at the same rate, leading to an increased ratio.

What Changes Would Be Expected in the Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio in the Presence