If respiratory acidosis persists after alveolar ventilation of a patient has been increased, which of the following could be the cause?

a. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
b. Pulmonary embolism
c. Pulmonary edema
d. Low PEEP levels

ANS: B
If pure respiratory acidosis persists even after alveolar ventilation has been increased, the patient may have a problem with increased dead space. One cause of increased dead space is a pulmo-nary embolism or low cardiac output, resulting in low pulmonary perfusion.

Health Professions

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The nursing home pharmacy has received a prescription for a non-controlled drug from a prescriber who is not an MD. The pharmacy can fill the prescription if it was written by:

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What is the term for a collapsed lung?

a. atelectasis b. decortication c. emphysema d. pneumonitis

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