Respiratory movement of air that does not participate in alveolar gas exchange is known as alveolar dead space. Dead space increases when alveolar/alveoli:

Question

A) Carbon dioxide level is high.
B) Air supply exceeds blood flow.
C) Contain pulmonary edema fluid.
D) Collapse onto the capillary bed.

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
Alveolar dead space increases when ventilation exceeds perfusion, such as with an embolus obstructing blood flow to the lung area. The oxygen/CO2 gas content in the alveoli has no effect on increased dead space caused by hypoperfusion. Pulmonary edema and alveoli collapse adversely affect gas exchange but have no effect on increased dead space caused by a lack of blood flow.