Final answer:
The PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, calculated by dividing the partial pressure of arterial oxygen by the fraction of inspired oxygen, is 130 based on the given values, which meets the criteria for ARDS, an important concept in pulmonary physiology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio is a key clinical indicator used in the assessment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To calculate the ratio, the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO₂) is divided by the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂). With PaO₂ at 78 mm Hg and FiO₂ at 0.6, the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio is 130 (78 divided by 0.6), which meets the criteria for ARDS. This calculation is based on the understanding of alveolar gas exchange and the pressures of gases in the pulmonary system, all important aspects of pulmonary physiology.