Respiratory System Test Questions Related

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A nurse educator is reviewing the implications of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve with regard to the case of a current patient. The patient currently has normal hemoglobin levels, but significantly decreased SaO2 and PaO2 levels. What is an implication of this physiological state?

  • A. The patient's tissue demands may be met, but she will be unable to respond to physiological stressors.
  • B. The patient's short-term oxygen needs will be met, but she will be unable to expel sufficient CO2.
  • C. The patient will experience tissue hypoxia with no sensation of shortness of breath or labored breathing.
  • D. The patient will experience respiratory alkalosis with no ability to compensate.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because even though the patient has normal hemoglobin levels, the significantly decreased SaO2 and PaO2 levels indicate that the hemoglobin is not effectively carrying oxygen to the tissues. This leads to a situation where the tissue demands for oxygen may be met at baseline, but the patient will be unable to respond to physiological stressors that require increased oxygen delivery.

Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on short-term oxygen needs and CO2 expulsion, which are not directly related to the implications of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve in this case.

Choice C is incorrect because decreased SaO2 and PaO2 levels would lead to tissue hypoxia, which would likely result in sensations of shortness of breath or labored breathing as the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

Choice D is incorrect because decreased PaO2 levels would not lead to respiratory alkalosis. The body would likely try to compensate by increasing respiratory rate to improve oxygenation.