Tom is in respiratory arrest due to an electrical shock.Why does a good samaritan have up to 4 or 5 minutes to begin CPR and save Tom's life? A) There is reserve oxygen in Tom's lungs. B) There is a venous reserve of oxygen in Tom's blood. C) The ambient PO₂ can support life that long. D) The Haldane effect lasts up to 5 minutes. E) Tom's hypoxic drive will keep him alive for up to 5 minutes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When blood passes through the lungs, it picks up oxygen that is then transported to the body's tissues. However, there is also a reserve of oxygen in the venous blood that has not yet been used by the body. This venous reserve of oxygen can sustain life for a few minutes, giving a good Samaritan time to begin CPR and potentially save Tom's life.

Tom Is in Respiratory Arrest Due to an Electrical Shock