Which datum is used to assess the adequacy of a patient's alveolar ventilation?
A) Ventilatory rate
B) Ventilatory pattern
C) Respiratory effort
D) Arterial blood gas

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements provide information about the adequacy of a patient's alveolar ventilation. ABG analysis studies the partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood and the bicarbonate concentration, which are all affected by alveolar ventilation. Ventilatory rate, pattern, and respiratory effort are important factors in determining adequate alveolar ventilation, but ABG measurements are the most definitive way to assess it.

Which Datum Is Used to Assess the Adequacy of a Patient's