When given high concentrations of oxygen, a patient with chronic hypercapnia may develop a more serious respiratory acidosis. Which of the following might be contributing to the patient's increased PCO₂?
I.worsening ventilation-perfusion ( $\dot { V }$ / $\dot { Q }$ ) balance
II.desensitization of the carotid bodies
III.removal of the hypoxic stimulus

Question

When given high concentrations of oxygen, a patient with chronic hypercapnia may develop a more serious respiratory acidosis. Which of the following might be contributing to the patient's increased PCO₂?
I.worsening ventilation-perfusion (

\dot { V }

/

\dot { Q }

) balance
II.desensitization of the carotid bodies
III.removal of the hypoxic stimulus

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

I and III are correct. Worsening ventilation-perfusion balance and removal of the hypoxic stimulus can both lead to increased PCO2.

When Given High Concentrations of Oxygen, a Patient with Chronic V˙\dot { V }V˙

When Given High Concentrations of Oxygen, a Patient with Chronic $\dot { V }$