Question

The cyanosis that accompanies bacterial pneumonia is primarily caused by which of the following?

Option 1: Decreased cardiac output
Option 2: Shunting of blood through unventilated areas
Option 3: Accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood
Option 4: Pulmonary vasoconstriction

Answer 1

Bacterial pneumonia can cause cyanosis primarily due to pulmonary vasoconstriction and shunting of blood through unventilated areas.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bacterial pneumonia can affect the exchange of gases between the alveoli and the capillaries by causing pulmonary vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of the blood vessels in the lungs. This can lead to shunting of blood through unventilated areas, meaning that blood bypasses areas of the lungs where gas exchange can occur. When this happens, oxygen is not effectively delivered to the body's tissues, resulting in cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.