Question

Julia is breathing 14 times per minute, with a tidal volume of 520 mL and a dead space of 152 mL. Lyle is breathing 15 times per minute, with a tidal volume of 400 mL and a dead space of 175 mL. Which patient has better alveolar ventilation?

A) Julia
B) Lyle
C) Both have equal alveolar ventilation.
D) Insufficient information to determine.

Answer 1

To determine which patient has better alveolar ventilation, we need to calculate the alveolar ventilation for both Julia and Lyle. Julia has better alveolar ventilation with 5584 mL/min compared to Lyle's 3750 mL/min.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which patient has better alveolar ventilation, we need to calculate the alveolar ventilation for both Julia and Lyle. Alveolar ventilation is the amount of air that reaches the alveoli per minute. It is calculated by subtracting the dead space volume from the tidal volume and then multiplying by the respiratory rate.

For Julia, the alveolar ventilation can be calculated as (520 mL - 152 mL) * 14 breaths per minute = 5584 mL/min.

For Lyle, the alveolar ventilation can be calculated as (400 mL - 175 mL) * 15 breaths per minute = 3750 mL/min.

Therefore, Julia has better alveolar ventilation with 5584 mL/min compared to Lyle's 3750 mL/min.