Your ICU Patient Has ARDS with a PO₂ of 62

question 12

Multiple Choice

Your ICU patient has ARDS with a pO₂ of 62 mmHg, despite mechanical ventilation and oxygenation. Which of the following best explains this finding?

• A) It is a problem with perfusion.
• B) It is a problem with ventilation.
• C) It is a problem with the blood gas sample collection.
• D) It is a problem with gas diffusion in the lung.

---

Definitions:

Urine Output

The amount of urine excreted by the kidneys over a specific period, often used as an indicator of kidney health and fluid balance in the body.

Respiratory Acidosis

A medical condition characterized by a decrease in the pH of the blood due to an accumulation of carbon dioxide, typically resulting from inadequate ventilation.

Arterial Blood

Blood found in the arteries that is bright red due to its high oxygen content, circulating from the heart to various parts of the body.

Bicarbonate

An alkaline, bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) that acts as a buffer to maintain the pH balance in bodily fluids, particularly blood.