When a patient has a low PaO₂ with a chronically high PaCO₂,how is ventilation exclusively controlled?
A) by the peripheral chemoreceptors
B) by the central chemoreceptors
C) by the VRG and DRG
D) by the apneustic center

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Peripheral chemoreceptors become the main drivers for ventilation control in patients with chronic hypercapnia (high PaCO₂), as the central chemoreceptors become less sensitive to CO₂ levels. Peripheral chemoreceptors, sensitive to low oxygen levels (PaO₂), increase ventilation in response.

When a Patient Has a Low PaO₂ with a Chronically