Chapter 30

Question 1

Gas Flow is equal to?

Answer 1

Gas Flow = DL * (P2 - P1)

DL = Diffusion capacity
P2-P1 = Fick's Law (concentration/pressure gradient)

Question 2

The flow of O2, CO2, and CO between the alveolar air and the blood depends on what specific component?

Answer 2

The interactions between the gas molecule and the red blood cell that it binds to.

Question 3

What normally limits the uptake of CO from the alveolar air to the blood?

Answer 3

The diffusing capacity available for CO is limited. (fails to reach diffusive equilibrium with the blood). In special cases it can be perfusion-limited.

Question 4

What limits the uptake of N20 (nitrous oxide) from the alveolar air to the blood?

Answer 4

Perfusion. In special cases it can be diffusion-limited.

Question 5

What is the key difference between N20 and CO in its uptake into the blood?

Answer 5

CO can bind to Hemoglobin, but N20 cannot.

Question 6

The uptake of CO can be used to give an estimated measurement of what?

Answer 6

DL (diffusion capacity)

Question 7

What type of limitation applies to O2 and CO2?

Answer 7

They are perfusion-limited.

Question 8

Do pathological changes that reduce the DL cause hypoxia?

Answer 8

Not necessarily.