COPD clients live with persistently elevated PCO2 levels. Therefore, which assessment finding would likely initiate a stimulus for ventilation in this client population?
A) PCO2 level of 65 mm Hg
B) PO2 level of 50 mm Hg
C) Arterial blood gas pH of 7.35
D) Pulse oximeter reading of 96% saturation
Ans: B
Feedback:
The central chemoreceptors are extremely sensitive to short-term changes in blood PCO2 levels. An increase in the PCO2 of the blood produces an increase in ventilation that reaches its peak within a minute or so and then declines if the PCO2 level remains elevated. Thus, persons with chronically elevated blood PCO2 levels no longer respond to this stimulus for increased ventilation but rely on the stimulus provided by a decrease in arterial PO2 levels that is sensed by the peripheral chemoreceptors.
You might also like to view...
What gland controls metabolism?
A) Pituitary B) Testes C) Ovaries D) Thyroid
The combining form that means to secrete is ________.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
A suffix that means blood condition is ________.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
Before receiving any care, patients must be made aware of the treatment plan and any potential risks involved. This is known as the right
A) of informed consent. B) to receive care. C) to privacy. D) to access medical records.