The two major causes of dead space ventilation are:
1) a decreased tidal volume.
2) dysoxia.
3) impaired CO₂ removal.
4) increased physiologic dead space.

Question

The two major causes of dead space ventilation are: 1) a decreased tidal volume. 2) dysoxia. 3) impaired CO₂ removal. 4) increased physiologic dead space.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dead space ventilation occurs when there is inadequate gas exchange in the lungs, resulting in wasted ventilation. The two major causes of dead space ventilation are a decreased tidal volume, which occurs in conditions like hypoventilation or respiratory muscle weakness, and increased physiologic dead space, which occurs in conditions like pulmonary embolism or lung disease. Dysoxia (a state of inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues) and impaired CO2 removal may contribute to dead space ventilation, but they are not the primary causes. Therefore, only choices 1 and 4 (decreased tidal volume and increased physiologic dead space) are the correct options.

The Two Major Causes of Dead Space Ventilation Are