If the production of carbon dioxide in the body doubles, what must be the new va

Question

If the production of carbon dioxide in the body doubles, what must be the new value for alveolar ventilation (assuming a starting value V) in order to maintain a constant partial pressure of carbon dioxide in blood?

The relevant equation (shown without a proportionality constant) is:

Alveolar ventilation = (carbon dioxide production) / (partial pressure of carbon dioxide in blood)

If the production of carbon dioxide in the body doubles, what must be the new value for alveolar ventilation (assuming a starting value V) in order to maintain a constant partial pressure of carbon dioxide in blood? The relevant equation (shown without a proportionality constant) is Alveolar ventilation (carbon dioxide production) / (partial pressure of carbon dioxide in blood) 0.5V 1.0V 1.5V O 2.0V

Explanation / Answer

doubling VA = decrease in alveolar PCO2 by half --> PCO2 = 20(p CO2 =40 MMHG)

20/40 = 0.5V would be the alveolar ventilation.

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