1. Is the amount of oxygen in the alveolar space high, low or normal? __________

Question

1. Is the amount of oxygen in the alveolar space high, low or normal? ____________________

2. Is the amount of arterial oxygen (in the blood) high, low or normal? _____________________

3. Given the alveolar oxygen level, is Mark’s arterial oxygen to be expected? ______________

4. Explain what is causing Mark’s observed level of arterial oxygen.

5.How could Mark’s blood have a lower than normal pH given his low CO2 levels?

Part III- Airlifft Mark deteriorated rapidly and lost consciousness by the time the group reached the lower camp. The urgency of the situation strengthened the tired legs of the climbers, as Tom, John, and Pete carried Mark the final yards towards camp. Emily had run ahead to call for support help, and the group was told an airlift was on its way and would be there within the hour. The camp's medical tent had some basic supplies and a resident paramedic, and he and Emily went to work stabilizing Mark with oxygen. 90 Minutes Later, Denali Valley Hospital "We have a 28-year-old white male, unresponsive, no prior history of pulmonary disease, who became unconscious around 15,000 feet after hiking to 17,000 feet earlier today. His friends say he was having severe breathing difficulty prior to losing consciousness...." The following tables summarize the findings of the Denali Valley Hospital Medical Team: PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS Mark's Normal 147 Torr Inspired Oxygen Tension Vapor Pressure Alveolar Oxygen RQ Tidal Volume 150 Torr 47 Torr 98-104 Torr 0.78-0.82 Torr 0.5 L 45 Torr 110 Torr 0.66 0.4 L

Explanation / Answer

From the tables we see that Mark has reduced arterial oxygen saturation despite having Pao2 quite normal. This implies that although enough oxygen is present in the air reaching the alveoli it is unable to diffuse into the arterial blood.

The only.significant cause for this given the scenario will be Pulmonary edema. Fluid accumulation in the alveoli impairing oxygen diffusion and reduced Pa02.

HAPE( high altitude pulmonary edema ) is the most likely cause as it is often seen in altitudes above 8500 feet due to mountain sickness.

There is acidosis in spite of low CO2 levels due to hyperventilation as an effort to compensate acidosis. Increased rate of breathing will cause C02 washout.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse 1
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.