If anything decreases alveolar PO₂,how does that affect the alveolar-blood oxygen pressure gradient?
A) Anything that decreases alveolar PO2 tends to increase the alveolar-blood oxygen pressure gradient and, therefore, tends to increase the amount of oxygen entering the blood.
B) Anything that decreases alveolar PO2 tends to decrease the alveolar-blood oxygen pressure gradient and, therefore, tends to decrease the amount of oxygen entering the blood.
C) Anything that decreases alveolar PO2 tends to increase the alveolar-blood diffusion rate and, therefore, tends to increase the amount of oxygen entering the blood.
D) Anything that decreases PO2 tends to increase arterial-blood PO2 and, therefore, tends to decrease the amount of oxygen entering the blood.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The alveolar-blood oxygen pressure gradient is the difference in oxygen partial pressure between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries. If anything decreases alveolar PO2 (such as high altitude or respiratory diseases), the alveolar-blood oxygen pressure gradient decreases, which means there is less pressure driving oxygen into the blood.

If Anything Decreases Alveolar PO₂,how Does That Affect the Alveolar-Blood