Which of the following changes would occur if an arterial blood sample of a patient breathing room air were exposed to a large air bubble?
1) Decreased PCO₂
2) Decreased pH
3) Increased PO₂

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Exposure to a large air bubble increases the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) due to equilibration with the air's higher oxygen content, and decreases the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) as CO2 diffuses into the bubble to equilibrate with the lower CO2 content of air, without affecting pH significantly in the measurement.

Which of the Following Changes Would Occur If an Arterial