When an air bubble is present in a blood gas sample that was drawn on room air,what will happen to the PCO₂ of the blood gas sample?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The PCO₂ will decrease.Carbon dioxide is present in the atmosphere in a concentration of only 0.003%,or around 2 mm Hg at sea level.Because arterial blood normally has a carbon dioxide tension (PaCO₂)ranging from 35 to 45 mm Hg,CO₂ dissolved in blood will tend to diffuse into the bubbles in the sample,lowering the measured value.

When an Air Bubble Is Present in a Blood Gas