When anesthetized, breathing slows. This decreases pO2 in the alveoli and increa

Question

When anesthetized, breathing slows. This decreases pO2 in the alveoli and increases CO2 in the blood. In a room, using a pulse oximeter to determine oxygen saturation provides a good estimate of adequate breathing (and adequate CO2 removal). Two patients are about to undergo surgery with anesthesia. Their mutant hemoglobin oxygen binding curves are shown below.

a) In which patient (left or right) would a decrease in breathing and a decrease in alveolar pO2 to 60 mm Hg NOT show a decrease in oxygen saturation?
b) If the patient in part a develops alveoli with no ventilation, would giving them oxygen help? Explain.

Amount with Oxygen Amount with Oxygen 100 100 50 50 0 0 100 0 100 160 mm Hg Oxygen pressure mm Hg Oxygen pressure Amount with Oxygen Amount with Oxygen 100 100 50 50 0 100 160 100 4 mm Hg Oxygen pressure 4 mm Hg Oxygen pressure

Explanation / Answer

A) oxygenation is the supply the addition of oxygen to the body.

B) Exessive oxygen administration to some patients may lead to hypercapnic respiratory failure. Give oxygen to the patient suffering from cardiac or respiratory attack.

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