Your patient is hypoventilating. Which of the following would be likely findings? A) A normal P(A-a)O₂with a marked response to an increase in FiO₂ B) An increases P(A-a)O₂with a marked response to an increase in FiO₂ C) A normal P(A-a)O₂with no response to an increase in FiO₂ D) A increased P(A-a)O₂with no response to an increase in FiO₂

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypoventilation leads to an increase in the P(A-a)O2 gradient. This is because the alveoli are not being ventilated as well, so there is less oxygen being transferred to the blood. Increasing the FiO2 will increase the amount of oxygen in the alveoli, which will help to correct the hypoventilation and decrease the P(A-a)O2 gradient.

Your Patient Is Hypoventilating