By what mechanism do pulmonary edema and pulmonary fibrosis cause hypoxemia?
A) By creating alveolar dead space
B) By decreasing the oxygen in inspired gas
C) By creating a right-to-left shunt
D) By impairing diffusion through the alveolocapillary membrane

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both pulmonary edema and pulmonary fibrosis impair diffusion through the alveolocapillary membrane, resulting in decreased oxygen uptake and hypoxemia. Alveolar dead space and decreased oxygen in inspired gas can also contribute to hypoxemia, but they are not the primary mechanisms in these conditions. Right-to-left shunt refers to blood bypassing the lungs altogether and is not relevant in this context.

By What Mechanism Do Pulmonary Edema and Pulmonary Fibrosis Cause