If a patient develops acidosis, the nurse 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)show no change, allowing the O₂ concentration to remain stable.
D)show dramatic fluctuation, allowing the O₂ concentration to increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A shift to the right depicts hemoglobin's decreased affinity for oxygen or an increase in the ease with which oxyhemoglobin dissociates and oxygen moves into the cells. The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is shifted to the right by acidosis (low pH) and hypercapnia (increased PaCO₂).

If a Patient Develops Acidosis, the Nurse Would Expect the Oxyhemoglobin