Study for the Respiratory Therapy Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, featuring hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam successfully!

Multiple Choice

In the CvO2 equation, the term 0.003 × PvO2 represents what?

In CvO2, total oxygen content is the sum of oxygen tied to hemoglobin and the oxygen dissolved in plasma. The factor 0.003 is the solubility coefficient of O2 in plasma, so multiplying by PvO2 converts the venous PO2 (pressure) into the actual volume of O2 dissolved per deciliter of blood. Thus, this term specifically represents the dissolved O2 in plasma. The other portion of CvO2 comes from O2 bound to hemoglobin (Hb-bound O2).

In CvO2, total oxygen content is the sum of oxygen tied to hemoglobin and the oxygen dissolved in plasma. The factor 0.003 is the solubility coefficient of O2 in plasma, so multiplying by PvO2 converts the venous PO2 (pressure) into the actual volume of O2 dissolved per deciliter of blood. Thus, this term specifically represents the dissolved O2 in plasma. The other portion of CvO2 comes from O2 bound to hemoglobin (Hb-bound O2).