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Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

6 cards from real NBRC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology flashcards as text

  1. Which equation is used to estimate alveolar oxygen partial pressure (PAO2)?

    Answer: Alveolar gas equation

    The alveolar gas equation (PAO2 = FiO2 × [Pb – PH2O] – PaCO2/R) estimates the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli.

  2. Oxygen is primarily transported in the blood by:

    Answer: Bound to hemoglobin

    Approximately 97–98% of oxygen is transported bound to hemoglobin as oxyhemoglobin; only a small fraction dissolves in plasma.

  3. An increase in 2,3-DPG causes which shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?

    Answer: Right shift, decreasing oxygen affinity

    Elevated 2,3-DPG reduces hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, shifting the curve rightward and facilitating oxygen release to tissues.

  4. The normal mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) is approximately:

    Answer: 60–75%

    Normal SvO2 is 60–75%, reflecting the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption in systemic tissues.

  5. Which chemoreceptors respond most rapidly to changes in PaCO2?

    Answer: Central chemoreceptors in the medulla

    Central chemoreceptors in the medulla oblongata are highly sensitive to changes in cerebrospinal fluid pH caused by CO2 diffusion, driving the primary ventilatory response.

  6. Compliance of the lung is defined as:

    Answer: Change in volume per unit change in pressure

    Compliance (C = ΔV/ΔP) measures the ease with which the lung distends in response to an applied pressure change.

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