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

Multiple Choice

Using the shunt equation Qs/Qt = (CcO2 - CaO2) / (CcO2 - CvO2), calculate Qs/Qt when CcO2 = 17, CaO2 = 12, CvO2 = 10.

The shunt fraction compares how much of the cardiac output bypasses oxygenation in the lungs by using end-capillary oxygen content, arterial oxygen content, and mixed venous oxygen content. The relationship is Qs/Qt = (CcO2 − CaO2) / (CcO2 − CvO2). Plug in the values: (17 − 12) / (17 − 10) = 5 / 7 ≈ 0.714. So the shunt fraction is about 0.714 (71.4%), which is the correct calculation result.

The shunt fraction compares how much of the cardiac output bypasses oxygenation in the lungs by using end-capillary oxygen content, arterial oxygen content, and mixed venous oxygen content. The relationship is Qs/Qt = (CcO2 − CaO2) / (CcO2 − CvO2). Plug in the values: (17 − 12) / (17 − 10) = 5 / 7 ≈ 0.714. So the shunt fraction is about 0.714 (71.4%), which is the correct calculation result.