A 28-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department Due to Anxiety

question 36

Multiple Choice

A 28-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to anxiety, weakness, dyspnea, and headaches.  He is a graduate student in chemistry and was accidentally exposed to nitrites in his research laboratory.  Physical examination is notable for cyanosis that is not improved by administration of supplemental oxygen via facemask.  Analysis of a sample of arterial blood drawn from this patient prior to any oxygen supplementation is most likely to reveal normal values for which of the following?

• A)Bound fraction of oxygen in the arterial blood
• B)Oxygen carrying capacity of the arterial blood
• C)Oxygen content of the arterial blood
• D)Oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues
• E)Partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood

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Definitions:

Blood Cells

Blood cells are the cells found in the blood, comprising mainly red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes), each serving various functions within the body.

Vertebra

One of the small bones forming the backbone, providing support and protecting the spinal cord.

Transverse Processes

Projections on vertebrae where muscles and ligaments attach, part of the bone's anatomy.

Spinous Processes

Bony projections off the back of each vertebra that can be felt through the skin and serve for muscle and ligament attachment.