In a patient with acidosis or a fever, you would expect the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to: A) shift to the right, causing more O₂ to be released to the cells. B) shift to the left, allowing less O₂ to be released to the cells. C) shift downward, allowing less O₂ to dissolve in the plasma. D) shift upward, allowing more O₂ to dissolve in the plasma.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acidosis or fever both cause an increase in the level of CO2 in the blood, lowering the pH. This shift to a more acidic environment will cause the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to shift to the right. This means that hemoglobin will release more oxygen (O₂) to the cells, even at lower partial pressures of oxygen. This adaptation allows for the delivery of oxygen to tissues that are under stress and require more O₂.

In a Patient with Acidosis or a Fever, You Would