At high altitudes, the alveolar
A) $\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { O } _ { 2 } }$ is higher than normal
B) $\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { O } _ { 2 } }$ is lower than normal
C) $\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { CO } _ { 2 } }$ is higher than normal
D) $\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { O } _ { 2 } }$ and $\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { CO } _ { 2 } }$ are higher than normal
E) $\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { O } _ { 2 } }$ is lower than normal and $\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { CO } _ { 2 } }$ is higher than normal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases. This causes a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen ($\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { O } _ { 2 } }$) in the air. The amount of oxygen that can diffuse into the blood decreases, and the amount of carbon dioxide that can diffuse out of the blood also decreases. This leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood and a decrease in oxygen levels. Therefore, the answer is B, $\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { O } _ { 2 } }$ is lower than normal.

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At High Altitudes, the Alveolar
A) $\mathrm { P } _ { \mathrm { O } _ { 2 } }$