If lung disease results in an arterial PO₂ of 80 mmHg,the total amount of oxygen carried by the blood is 20% below normal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total amount of oxygen carried by the blood is determined not only by the dissolved oxygen (which is directly related to the arterial PO₂) but also, and more significantly, by the oxygen bound to hemoglobin. A PO₂ of 80 mmHg is within the normal range for arterial blood (75-100 mmHg) and would still allow for nearly full saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen. Therefore, the total oxygen content would not be 20% below normal based solely on a PO₂ of 80 mmHg.

If Lung Disease Results in an Arterial PO₂ of 80