1.
The normal FEV1/FVC ratio is
Correct Answer
B. 0.80
Explanation
The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is the total volume
of air that can be exhaled in the first second. Healthy adults can exhale
approximately 75% to 80% of their forced vital capacity (FVC) in the
first second. Therefore, the normal FEV1/FVC ratio is ≥ 0.80. In the
presence of obstructive airway disease, the FEV1/FVC ratio is < 0.80.
This ratio can be used to determine the severity of obstructive airway
disease and to monitor the efficacy of bronchodilator therapy.
2.
The degree of transpulmonary shunt can be estimated to equal 1% of the cardiac output for each
Correct Answer
B. 20 mm Hg increase in the P(A - a)O2
Explanation
The fraction of the cardiac output shunted through the lungs without exposure to ventilated alveoli (i.e., transpulmonary shunt) can be estimated using the general rule that for every increase in the alveolar-to-arterial difference in O2 tension P(A-a)O2 of 20 mm Hg, there is a shunt fraction of approximately 1% of the cardiac output (i.e., Qs/Qt = P(A-a)O2/20, where Qs/Qt is the shunt fraction)
3.
During the first minute of apnea, the PaCO2 will rise
Correct Answer
C. 6 mm Hg/min
Explanation
During apnea, the PaCO2 will increase approximately 6 mm Hg during
the first minute and then 3 to 4 mm Hg each minute thereafter
4.
What is the maximum compensatory increase in serum bicarbonate concentration ([HC03-]) for every 10 mm Hg increase in PaCO2 with chronic respiratory acidosis?
Correct Answer
B. 3 mEq/L
Explanation
The kidneys respond to chronic respiratory acidosis by conserving bicarbonate (HCO3-) and secreting hydrogen (H+). In respiratory acidosis, there is an immediate hydration of CO2 in plasma to produce HCO3-. This acute process produces approximately 1 mEq/L of HCO3- for every 10 mm Hg increase in PaCO2. Hydration of CO2 in the proximal and distal renal tubules stimulates the secretion of H+ into the urine. This compensatory response requires 12 to 48 hours. The compensatory response to chronic respiratory acidosis is rarely complete such that the pH does not fully return to 7.4. The maximum compensatory increase in serum bicarbonate concentration ([HCO3-]) in response to chronic respiratory acidosis is 3 mEq/L.
5.
O2 requirement for a 70-kg adult under general anesthesia is
Correct Answer
B. 250 mL/min
Explanation
The O2 requirement for an adult under general anesthesia is 3 to 4 mL/kg/min. The O2 requirement for a newborn under general anesthesia is 7 to 9 mL/kg/min. Alveolar ventilation (VA) in neonates is double that of adults to help meet their increased O2 requirements. This increase in VA is achieved primarily by an increase in respiratory rate as tidal volume (VT) is similar to that of adults. Although CO2 production is also increased in neonates, the elevated VA maintains the PaCO2 hear 38 to 40 mm Hg.
6.
The functional residual capacity is composed of the
Correct Answer
A. Expiratory reserve volume and residual volume
Explanation
A comprehensive understanding of respiratory physiology is important for understanding the effects of both regional and general anesthesia on respiratory mechanics and pulmonary gas exchange. The volume of gas remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration is called the functional residual capacity. The volume of gas remaining in the lungs after a maximal expiration is called the residual volume. The difference between these two volumes is called the expiratory reserve volume. Therefore, the functional residual capacity is composed of the expiratory reserve volume and residual volume.
7.
Which of the following statements correctly defines the relationship between minute ventilation (Ve), dead space ventilation (Vd), and PaCO2?
Correct Answer
A. If VE is constant and VD increases, then PaCO2 will increase
Explanation
The volume of gas in the conducting airways of the lungs (and not available for gas exchange) is called the anatomic dead space. The volume of gas in ventilated alveoli that are unperfused (and also not available for gas exchange) is called the functional dead space. The anatomic dead space together with the functional dead space is called the physiologic dead space. Physiologic dead-space ventilation can be calculated by the Bohr dead-space equation, which is mathematically expressed as follows:
VD/VT = (PaCO2 — PeCO2)/PaCO2,
where VD/VT is the ratio of physiologic dead-space ventilation (VD) to VT, and the a and e represent arterial and mixed expired, respectively. Of the choices given, only the first is correct. A large increase in physiologic dead-space ventilation will result in an increase in PaCO2
8.
The predominant stimulus for activation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is
Correct Answer
D. Decreased PAO2
Explanation
Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is a reflex within the lungs that causes regional vasoconstriction of the pulmonary vasculature to reduce blood flow to hypoxic alveoli. This is an important compensatory mechanism for minimizing transpulmonary shunt. The most important stimulus for this reflex is PAO2.
9.
Inhalation of CO2 increases Ve by
Correct Answer
B. 1 to 3 L/min/mm Hg increase in PaCO2
Explanation
The degree of ventilatory depression caused by volatile anesthetics can be assessed by measuring resting PaCO2, the ventilatory response to hypercarbia and the ventilatory response to hypoxemia. Of these techniques, the resting PaCO2 is the most frequently used index. How¬ever, measuring the effects of increased PaCO2 on ventilation is the most sensitive method of quantifying the effects of drugs on ventilation. In awake, unanesthetized humans, inhalation of CO2 increases minute ventilation (VE) by approximately 1 to 3 L/min/mm Hg increase in PaCO2. Using this technique, halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, and N2O cause a dose-dependent depression of the ventilation.
10.
What is the O2 content of whole blood if the hemoglobin concentration is 10 mg/dL, the PaO2 is 60 mm Hg, and the SaO2 is 90%?
Correct Answer
B. 13 mL/dL
Explanation
The amount of O2 in blood (O2 content) is the sum of the amount of O2 dissolved in plasma and the amount of O2 combined with hemoglo¬bin. The amount of O2 dissolved in plasma is directly proportional to the product of the blood:gas solubility coefficient of O2 (0.003) and PaO2. The amount of O2 bound to hemoglobin is directly related to the fraction of hemoglobin that is saturated. One gram of hemoglobin can bind 1.39 ml of O2. The mathematical expression of O2 content is as follows:
O2 content = 1.39 * [Hgb] * SaO2 + 0.003 * (PaO2), where [Hgb] is the hemoglobin concentration (mg/dL), SaO2 is the fraction of hemoglobin saturated with O2, and 0.003 (PaO2) is the amount of O2 dissolved in plasma. The O2 content of blood in this patient is approximately 13 mL/dL.
11.
Each of the following will cause erroneous readings by dual-wavelength pulse oximeters EXCEPT
Correct Answer
C. Fetal hemoglobin
Explanation
The presence of hemoglobin species other than oxyhemoglobin can cause erroneous readings by dual-wavelength pulse oximeters. Hemoglobin species such as carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin, dyes such as methylene blue and indocyanine green, and nail polish will cause erroneous readings. Since the absorption spectrum of fetal hemoglobin is similar to that of adult oxyhemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin does not significantly affect the accuracy of these types of pulse oximeters. High levels of bilirubin have no significant effect on the accuracy of dual-wavelength pulse oximeters, but may cause falsely low readings by nonpulsatile oximeters.
12.
The mechanism for the compensatory shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve toward normal in response to chronic (>24 hours) respiratory alkalosis is
Correct Answer
C. Altered erythrocyte 2,3-dipHospHoglycerate (2,3-DPG) metabolism
Explanation
The compensatory shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve toward normal in response to chronic acid-base abnormalities is a result of altered erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) metabolism.
13.
The P50 for normal adult hemoglobin is
Correct Answer
B. 25
Explanation
P50 is the PaO2 required to produce 50% saturation of hemoglobin. The P50 for adult hemoglobin is 26 mm Hg
14.
During a normal Vt (500 mL) breath, the transpulmonary pressure increases from 0 to 5 cm H2O). The product of transpulmonary pressure and Vt is 2,500 cmH2O-ml. This expression of the pressure-volume relationship during breathing determines what variable of respiratory mechanics?
Correct Answer
D. Work of breathing
Explanation
The work of breathing is defined as the product of transpulmonary pres¬sure and VT. The work of breathing is related to two factors: the work required to overcome the elastic forces of the lungs and the work required to overcome airflow or frictional resistances of the airways. Volatile anesthetics cause a marked increase in the elastic component of the work of breathing .
15.
An acute increase in PaCO2 of 10 mm Hg will result in an immediate compensatory increase in [HCO3-] of
Correct Answer
A. 1 mEq/L
Explanation
A prolonged increase in PaCO2 of 10 mm Hg will result in a maximum compensatory increase in [HC03-] of 3 mEq/L. An acute increase in PaCO2 of 10 mm Hg results in an immediate compensatory increase in [HCO3-] of 1 mEq/L. This immediate compensatory increase in [HC03-] is caused by the hydration of CO2 in plasma to produce HCO3-. An acute decrease in PaCO2 of 10 mm Hg will cause an immediate compensatory decrease in [HCO3-] of 2 mEq/L, and a chronic decrease in PaCO2 of 10 mm Hg will cause a maximum compensatory decrease in [HCO3-] of 5 mEq/L.
16.
The normal vital capacity for a 70-kg man is
Correct Answer
C. 5 L
Explanation
The volume of gas exhaled during a maximum expiration is the vital ca¬pacity. In a healthy adult, the vital capacity is 60-70 mL/kg. In a 70-kg patient, the vital capacity is approximately 5 L.
17.
The most important mechanism for the transport of CO2 from peripheral tissues to the lungs is
Correct Answer
D. HC03-
Explanation
CO2 is transported from the peripheral tissues to the lungs, primarily in the form of HCO3-; there it is eliminated from the body. The conversion of CO2 to HCO3- occurs within erythrocytes and is catalyzed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. HCO3- then diffuses out of the cell in exchange for a chloride ion (Cl-) to maintain electrical neutrality. This exchange is called the chloride shift. CO2 is also transported dissolved in blood and bound to proteins as carbamino compounds. Carbamino compounds are formed by the combination of CO2 with terminal amine groups on blood proteins, primarily hemoglobin. This reaction occurs very rapidly without enzymatic catalysts. Approximately 60% of CO2 is transported from peripheral tissues to the lungs in the form of HC03-, 30% in the form of carbaminohemoglobin, and 10% dissolved in plasma.
18.
An increase in PaCO2 of 10 mm Hg will result in a decrease in pH of
Correct Answer
D. 0.08 pH units
Explanation
Respiratory acidosis is present when the PaCO2 exceeds 44 mm Hg. Respiratory acidosis is caused by decreased elimination of CO2 by the lungs (i.e., hypoventila¬tion) or increased metabolic production of CO2. An acute increase in PaCO2 of 10 mm Hg will result in a decrease in pH of approximately 0.08 pH units. The acidosis of arterial blood will stimulate ventilation via the carotid bodies and the acidosis of cerebrospinal fluid will stimulate ventilation via the medullary chemoreceptors located in the fourth cerebral ventricle. Volatile anesthetics greatly attenuate the carotid body-mediated and aortic body-mediated ventilatory responses to arterial acidosis, but have little effect on the medullary chemoreceptor-mediated ventilatory response to cerebrospinal fluid acidosis.
19.
20-year-old, 80-kg patient with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus arrives in the emergency room in diabetic ketoacidosis. The arterial blood gases (on room air) are as follows: pH 6.95, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, PaO2 98 mm Hg, [HC03-] 6 mEq/L, What is the total body deficit of HCO3- in this patient?
Correct Answer
C. 300 mEq
Explanation
Metabolic acidosis occurs when the pH is less than 7.36 and [HCO3-] is below 24 mEq/L. A decrease in [HCO3-] is caused by decreased elimination of H+ by the renal tubules (e.g., renal tubule acidosis) or increase metabolic production of H+ relative to HCO3- (e.g., lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, or uremia). Total body deficit in HCO3- can be estimated using the following formula:
Total body deficit (mEq) = Total body weight (kg) * Deviation of HCO3- from 24 mEq/L * Extracellular fluid volume as a fraction of body mass (L)
The total body deficit in HCO3- in this patient is: 80 • (24 - 6) • 0.2 = 288 mEq
20.
A 44-year-old patient is hyperventilated to a PaCO2 of 24 mm Hg for 24 hours. What [HC03-] would you expect (normal [HCO3-] is 24 mEq/L)?
Correct Answer
D. 16 mEq/L
Explanation
Respiratory alkalosis is present when the PaCO2 is less than 36 mm Hg. There are three compensatory mechanisms responsible for attenuating the increase in pH that accompanies respiratory alkalosis. First, there is an immediate shift in the equilibrium of the HCO3- buffer system, which results, in the production of CO2. Second, alkalosis stimulates the activity of phosphofructokinase, which increases glycolysis and the production of pyruvate and lactic acid. Third, there is a decrease in reabsorption of HCO3- by the proximal and distal renal tubules. These three compensatory mechanisms result in a maximum decrease in [HCO3-] of approximately 5 mEq/L for every 10 mm Hg decrease in PaCO2 below 40 mm Hg.
21.
The normal arterial-to-alveolar ratio (a/A) is greater than
Correct Answer
C. 0.75
Explanation
Arterial hypoxemia is defined as a decrease in PaO2 below 60 mm Hg. Arterial hypoxemia can be caused by low PO2, hypoventilation, or shunt. Shunt can be caused by a right-to-left transpulmonary or intracardiac shunt, or mismatching of ventilation to perfusion. Diffusion limitation to the passage of O2 from the alveoli to blood has not been documented as a cause of arterial hypoxemia in humans. The degree of shunt can be estimated by calculating the P(A-a)O2 or arterial-to-alveolar (a/A) ratio. It is easier to use the a/A ratio to calculate shunt fraction because the normal range for the P(A-a)O2 changes with the PO2 of inspired gas. The normal a/A ratio should be greater than 0.75.
22.
What is the rate of O2 transported to peripheral tissues in a healthy 70-kg patient with a hemoglobin concentration of 10 mg/dL, a PaO2 of 60 mm Hg, an SaO2 of 90%, and a cardiac output of 5 L/min?
Correct Answer
D. 600 mL/min
Explanation
The amount of O2 transported from the lungs to peripheral tissues is determined by the O2 content and the cardiac output. The mathematical expression of O2 transport is as follows:
02 transport = CO • 02 content, where CO is the cardiac output (mL/min).
In this patient, O2 transport is approximately 600 mL/min
23.
The P50 of sickle cell hemoglobin is
Correct Answer
C. 31
Explanation
A P50 less than 26 mm Hg defines a leftward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, which means that at any given PaO2, hemoglobin has a higher affinity for O2. A P50 greater than 26 mm Hg describes a rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, which means that at any given Pao2, hemoglobin has a lower affinity for O2. Conditions that cause a rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve are metabolic and respiratory acidosis, hyperthermia, increased erythrocyte 2,3-DPG content, pregnancy, and abnormal hemoglobins, such as sickle cell hemoglobin or thalassemia. Alkalosis, hypothermia, fetal hemoglobin, abnormal hemoglobin species, such as carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, and sulfhemoglobin, and decreased erythrocyte 2,3-DPG content will cause a leftward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.
24.
The leftward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve caused by hypocarbia is known as the
Correct Answer
B. Bohr effect
Explanation
The effects of PaCO2 and pH on the position of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is known as the Bohr effect. Hypercarbia and acidosis shift the curve to the right, and hypocarbia and alkalosis shift the curve to the left. The Bohr effect is attributed primarily to the action of CO2 and pH on erythrocyte 2,3-DPG metabolism.
25.
Which of the following is the correct mathematical expression of Fick's law of diffusion of a gas through a lipid membrane (V = rate of diffusion, D = diffusion coefficient of the gas, A = area of the membrane, P1 - P2 = transmembrane partial pressure gradient of the gas, T = thickness of the membrane)?
Correct Answer
C. V=D*A*(P1-P2)/T
Explanation
The rate that a gas diffuses through a lipid membrane is directly proportional to the area of the membrane, the transmembrane partial pres¬sure gradient of the gas, and the diffusion constant of the gas, and is inversely proportional to the thickness of the membrane. The diffusion constant is directly proportional to the square root of gas solubility and is inversely proportional to the square root of the molecular weight of the gas. This is known as Fick's law of diffusion.
26.
Each of the following is decreased in elderly patients compared with their younger counterparts EXCEPT
Correct Answer
E. Closing volume
Explanation
In general, aging is associated with reduced ventilatory volumes and capacities, and decreased efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange. These changes are caused by progressive stiffening of cartilage and replacement of elastic tissue in the intercostal and intervertebral areas, which decreases compliance of the thoracic cage. In addition, progressive kyphosis or scoliosis produces upward and anterior rotation of the ribs and sternum, which further restricts chest wall expansion during inspiration. With aging, the functional residual capacity, residual volume, and closing volume are increased, while the vital capacity, total lung capacity, maximum breathing capacity, FEV1, and ventilatory response to hypercarbia and hypoxemia are reduced. In addition, age-related changes in lung parenchyma, alveolar surface area, and diminished pulmonary capillary bed density cause ventilation/perfusion mismatch, which decreases resting PaO2.
27.
Calculate the Vd/Vt ratio (physiologic dead-space ventilation) based on the following data: PaCO2 45 mm Hg, mixed expired CO2 tension (PeCO2) 30 mm Hg.
Correct Answer
C. 0.3
Explanation
Physiologic dead-space ventilation can be estimated using the Bohr equation
Vd/Vt= (45mm Hg - 30 mm Hg)/45 mm Hg= 0.33
28.
The shift of the CO2-hemoglobin dissociation curve which occurs in response to changes in PaO2 is known as the
Correct Answer
C. Haldane effect
Explanation
The shift of the CO2-hemoglobin dissociation curve that occurs in response to changes in PaO2 is known as the Haldane effect. Because of this effect, deoxygenated hemoglobin (in peripheral tissues) has a greater affinity for CO2 than does oxygenated hemoglobin.
29.
Which of the following acid-base disturbances is the least well compensated?
Correct Answer
A. Metabolic alkalosis
Explanation
The degree to which a person can hypoventilate to compensate for metabolic alkalosis is limited and hence, this is the least well compensated acid-base disturbance. Respiratory compensation for metabolic alkalosis is rarely more than 75% complete. Hypoventilation to a PaCO2 > 55 mm Hg is the maximum respiratory compensation for metabolic alkalosis. A PaCO2 > 55 mm Hg most likely reflects concomitant respiratory acidosis.
30.
What is the PaO2 of air in a patient in Denver, Colorado (assume a barometric pressure of 630 mm Hg, respiratory quotient of 0.8, and PaCO2 of 34 mm Hg)?
Correct Answer
E. 80 mm Hg
Explanation
PAO2 can be estimated using the alveolar gas equation which is as follows:
PAO2 = (Pb-47)*FiO2-PaCO2/R, where Pb is the barometric pressure (mm Hg), Fi02 is the fraction of inspired 02, PaCO2 is the arterial CO2 tension (mm Hg), and R is the respiratory quotient.
31.
A venous blood sample from which of the following sites would correlate most reliably with PaO2 and PaCO2?
Correct Answer
E. Vein on posterior surface of a warmed hand
Explanation
When arterial sampling is not possible, "arterialized" venous blood can be used to determine arterial blood gas tensions. Because blood in the veins on the back of the hands have very little O2 extracted, the O2 content in this blood best approximates the O2 content in a sample of blood obtained from an artery.
32.
Which of the following pulmonary function tests is least dependent on patient effort?
Correct Answer
D. FEF25-75
Explanation
Pulmonary function tests can be divided into those that assess ventilatory capacity and into those that assess pulmonary gas exchange. The simplest test to assess ventilatory capacity is the FEV1/FVC ratio. Other tests to assess ventilatory capacity include the maximum midexpiratory flow (FEF25-75), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), and flow-volume curves. The most significant disadvantage of these tests is that they are dependent on patient effort; however, since the FEF25-75 is obtained from the midexpiratory portion of the flow-volume loop, it is least dependent on patient effort.
33.
Which of the following muscles or muscle groups of respiration is not used for inspiration?
Correct Answer
B. Internal intercostal muscles
Explanation
The muscles of expiration are those of the abdominal wall and the internal intercostal muscles. The internal intercostal muscles function to pull the ribs downward and inward, which decreases the volume of the thoracic cavity
34.
The P(A - a)O2 of a patient breathing 100% O2 is 240 mm Hg. The estimated fraction of the cardiac output shunted past the lungs without exposure to ventilated alveoli (i.e., transpulmonary shunt) is
Correct Answer
B. 12%
Explanation
Qs/Qt=P(A-a)O2/20, where Qs is the cardiac output that is shunted past the lungs without exposure to ventilated alveoli, Qt is the total cardiac output, and P(A-a)O2 is the alveolar-to-arterial difference in O2 tension.
35.
Each of the following will alter the position or slope of the CO2-ventilatory response curve EXCEPT
Correct Answer
E. Ketamine
Explanation
Measuring the ventilatory response to increased PaCO2 is a sensitive method for quantifying the effects of drugs on ventilation. In general, all volatile anesthetics (including N2O), narcotics, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates depress the CO2-ventilatory response curve in a dose-dependent manner. The magnitude of ventilatory depression by volatile anesthetics is greater in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than in healthy patients. Thus, it is recommended that arterial blood gases are monitored during recovery from general anesthesia in patients with COPD. Ketamine causes minimal respiratory depression. Typically, respiratory rate is decreased only 2 to 3 breaths/min and the ventilatory response to changes in PaCO2 is maintained during ketamine anesthesia.
36.
Which of the following statements concerning the distribution of alveolar ventilation (Va) in the upright lungs is true?
Correct Answer
D. Alveoli at the base of the lungs (dependent alveoli) are better
ventilated than those at the apex
Explanation
The orientation of the lungs relative to gravity has a profound effect on efficiency or pulmonary gas exchange. Because alveoli in dependent regions of the lungs expand more per unit change in transpulmonary pressure (i.e., are more compliant) than alveoli in nondependent regions of the lungs, Va increases from the top to the bottom of the lungs. Because pulmonary blood flow increases more from the top to the bottom of the lungs than does Va, the ventilation/perfusion ratio is high in nondependent regions of the lungs and is low in dependent regions of the lungs. Therefore, in the upright lungs, the PO2 and pH are greater at the apex, while the PCO2 is greater at the base.
37.
In the resting adult, what percent of total body O2 consumption is spent doing the work of breathing?
Correct Answer
A. 2%
Explanation
The work required to overcome the elastic recoil of the lungs and thorax, along with airflow or frictional resistances of the airways, contributes to the work of breathing. When the respiratory rate or airway resistance is high, or pulmonary or chest wall compliance is reduced, a large amount of energy is spent in overcoming the work of breathing. In the healthy, resting adult, only 1% to 2% of total O2 consumption is used for the work of breathing.
38.
The anatomic dead space in a 70-kg male is
Correct Answer
B. 150 mL
Explanation
The conducting airways (trachea, right and left mainstem bronchi, and lobar and segmental bronchi) do not contain alveoli and therefore do not take part in pulmonary gas exchange. These structures constitute the anatomic dead space. In the adult, the anatomic dead space is approximately 1 mL/lb or 2 mL/kg. The anatomic dead space increases during inspiration because of the traction exerted on the conducting airways by the surrounding lung parenchyma. In addition, the anatomic dead space depends on the size and posture of the subject.
39.
Reynold's number is an important factor in the determination of
Correct Answer
C. Turbulent vs. laminar flow
Explanation
. Reynold's number is a calculated value that represents the overall ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces during flow. Reynold's number is directly proportional to the density of the substance, the flow velocity of the substance, and the radius of the container through which the substance is flowing, and is inversely proportional to the viscosity of the substance. In general, flow through a long, straight, smooth-walled container becomes turbulent when the Reynold's number is greater than 2,300.
40.
A decrease in PaCO2 of 10 mm Hg will result in
Correct Answer
A. A decrease in serum potassium concentration ([K+]) of 0.5
mEq/L
Explanation
Cardiac dysrhythmias are a common complication associated with acid-base abnormalities. The etiology of these dysrhythmias is related partly to the effects of pH on myocardial potassium homeostasis. As a general rule, there is an inverse relationship between [K+] and pH. For every 0.08 unit change in pH, there is a reciprocal change in [K+] of approximately 0.5 mEq/L.
41.
An increase in [HCO3-] of 10 mEq/L will result in an increase in pH of
Correct Answer
B. 0.15 pH units
Explanation
There are several guidelines that can be used in the initial interpretation of arterial blood gases that will permit rapid recognition of the type of acid-base disturbance. These guidelines are as follows: 1) a 1 mm Hg change in PaCO2 above or below 40 mm Hg results in a 0.008-unit change in the pH in the opposite direction; 2) the PaCO2 will decrease by about 1 mm Hg for every 1 mEq/L reduction in [HCO3-] below 24 mEq/L; 3) a change in [HCO3-] of 10 mEq/L from 24 mEq/L will result in a change in pH of approximately 0.15 pH units in the same direction.
42.
A 28-year-old woman (70 kg) with ulcerative colitis is undergoing general anesthesia for colon resection and ileostomy. Current medications include sulfasalazine and corticosteroids. Induction of anesthesia and tracheal intubation are uneventful. Anesthesia is maintained with isoflurane, N2O and 50% O2, and fentanyl, and the patient is paralyzed with atracurium. The patient's lungs are mechanically ventilated using the following parameters: Ve 5,000 mL, respiratory rate 10 breaths/min. How would Va change if the respiratory rate were increased from 10 to 20 breaths/min?
Correct Answer
E. Decrease by 1,500 mL
Explanation
A patient with a Vd of 150 mL and a Va of 350 mL (assuming a normal Vt of 500 mL) will have a Vd minute ventilation (Vd) of 1,500 mL and a Va minute ventilation (Va) of 3,500 mL (a Ve of 5,000 mL) at a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min. If the respiratory rate is doubled but Ve remains unchanged, then the Vd would double to 3,000 mL, an increase in Vd of 1,500 mL and decrease in Va of 1,500 mL.
43.
Each of the following will shift the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the right EXCEPT
Correct Answer
B. Decreased PaO2
Explanation
In addition to the items listed in this question, other factors that shift the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the right include pregnancy and all abnormal hemoglobins such as hemoglobin S (sickle cell hemoglobin). For reasons unknown, volatile anesthetics increase the P50 of adult hemoglobin by 2 to 3.5 mm Hg. A rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve will decrease the transfer from O2 from alveoli to hemoglobin and improve release of O2 from hemoglobin to peripheral tissues.
44.
The half-life of carboxyhemoglobin in a patient breathing 100% 02 is
Correct Answer
B. 1 hour
Explanation
The most frequent immediate cause of death from fires is carbon monoxide toxicity. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that exerts its adverse effects by decreasing O2 delivery to peripheral tissues. This is accomplished by two mechanisms. First, because the affinity of carbon monoxide for the O2 binding sites on hemoglobin is 240 times that of O2, O2 is readily displaced from hemoglobin. Thus, O2 content is reduced. Second, carbon monoxide causes a leftward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, which increases the affinity of hemoglobin for O2 at peripheral tissues. Treatment of carbon monoxide toxicity is administration of 100% O2. Breathing 100% O2 decreases the half-life of carboxyhemoglobin from 250 minutes to approximately 50 minutes.
45.
The most important buffering system in the body is
Correct Answer
D. HCO3-
Explanation
Buffer systems represent the first line of defense against adverse changes in pH. The HC03- buffer system is the most important system and represents > 50% of the total buffering capacity of the body. Other important buffer systems include hemoglobin, which is responsible for approximately 35% of the buffering capacity of blood, phosphates, plasma proteins, and bone.
46.
Which of the following statements concerning the distribution of O2 and CO2 in the upright lungs is true?
Correct Answer
A. PAO2 is greater at the apex than at the base
Explanation
The ventilation/perfusion ratio is greater at the apex of the lungs than at the base of the lungs. Thus, dependent regions of the lungs are hypoxic and hypercarbic compared to the nondependent regions.
47.
Which of the following vasoactive substances is inactivated by the lungs?
Correct Answer
D. Serotonin
Explanation
Although the primary function of the lungs is gas exchange, the lungs also have important metabolic functions. These include the synthesis of phospholipids such as dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline, an important component of pulmonary surfactant; proteins, such as collagen and elastin, which form the structural framework of the lungs; and complex mucopolysaccharides. In addition, a number of vasoactive substances arc metabolized by the lungs. These substances include bradykinin (which is enzymatically metabolized by angiotensin-converting enzyme), serotonin (which is taken up by and stored in alveolar cells), prostaglandins (except prostaglandins A1 and A2), and norepinephrine. Epinephrine, angiotensin II, and vasopressin pass through the lungs without being metabolized. There is evidence that histamine may be metabolized by lung slices in vitro. Patients with intestinal carcinoid do not develop left-sided cardiac valve lesions, because serotonin is taken up by the lungs.
48.
Adverse effects of respiratory or metabolic alkalosis include
Correct Answer(s)
A. Decreased plasma ionized calcium concentration ([Ca2+])
B. Coronary artery vasoconstriction
C. Bronchial smooth muscle constriction
D. Increased right-to-left transpulmonary shunting
Explanation
Maintenance of acid-base equilibrium is necessary to ensure optimal function of enzymes and of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurologic systems. In addition, the acid-base status has direct influence on SaO2 and the distribution of electrolytes within the intracellular and extracellular fluid spaces. Adverse physiologic effects of alkalosis include coronary artery vasoconstriction, increased cardiac dysrhythmias and airway resistance, decreased cerebral blood flow, central nervous system excitation, decreased [K+] and ionized calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]), and a leftward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, which decreases availability of O2 to tissues.
49.
A 22-year-old black man comes to the emergency room diaphoretic and short of breath. The patient is given 100% 02 by nonrebreathing face mask. Arterial blood gas levels are as follows: PaO2 309 mm Hg, PaCO2 24 mm Hg, pH 7.57, and SaO2 89%. Causes of these findings could include the presence of
Correct Answer(s)
A. Methemoglobin
B. Carboxyhemoglobin
C. Sulfhemoglobin
Explanation
Abnormal hemoglobin species, such as methemoglobin, sulfhemoglobin, and carboxyhemoglobin, bind O2 less avidly than does normal hemoglobin, which greatly reduces the O2 carrying capacity of blood, The presence of these abnormal hemoglobin species is suggested by a low SaO2 in the presence of a normal PaO2. The diagnosis of these abnormal hemoglobin species is confirmed by direct measurement in plasma.
50.
Adverse effects of respiratory or metabolic acidosis include
Correct Answer(s)
A. Increased incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias
B. Hypovolemia
C. Increased serum potassium concentration
D. Increased pulmonary vascular resistance
Explanation
Adverse physiologic effects of respiratory or metabolic acidosis include central nervous system depression, cardiovascular system depression (which is a result of the direct depressant effects of the acidosis on the vasomotor center, arteriolar smooth muscle, and myocardial contractility), increased incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias, hypovolemia (which is a result of decreased precapillary and increased postcapillary sphincter tone), pulmonary hypertension, and hyperkalemia. Depression of the cardiovascular system is partially offset until severe acidosis occurs by increased secretion of catecholamines and elevated [Ca2+] .