Question

Compared to healthy people who live at sea level, arterial PO2 is lower in people who

A.Both live at high altitude and have pulmonary edema are correct.
B.have pulmonary edema.
C.have iron-deficiency anemia.
D.live at high altitude.
E.All of the choices are correct.

Answer 1

Arterial PO2 is lower in people who live at high altitude and have pulmonary edema, as the decreased atmospheric pressure at high altitude and fluid in the lungs from pulmonary edema both impair oxygenation of blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked which condition results in a lower arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PO2). Arterial PO2 is lower in people who both live at high altitude and have pulmonary edema. Living at high altitudes results in a lower PO2 due to the decreased barometric pressure, which affects gas exchange. Pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs, impairs the ability of the lungs to oxygenate blood, further decreasing arterial PO2. Therefore, a combination of these two factors would exacerbate low arterial oxygen levels. Iron-deficiency anemia affects the ability of blood to carry oxygen but does not directly affect PO2. Hence, the correct answer is A: Both live at high altitude and have pulmonary edema are correct.