Question

How can positioning be used to improve gas exchange in pathologic conditions/1 lung ventilation?

1) By increasing absolute ventilation in apical lung zones
2) By increasing perfusion in apical lung zones
3) By decreasing absolute ventilation in apical lung zones
4) By decreasing perfusion in apical lung zones

Answer 1

In pathologic conditions or one-lung ventilation, positioning can improve gas exchange by increasing ventilation and perfusion in apical lung zones, as well as by decreasing ventilation and perfusion in certain cases.

Step-by-step explanation:

In pathologic conditions or during one-lung ventilation, positioning can be used to improve gas exchange in the lungs. This can be achieved by:

1. Increasing absolute ventilation in apical lung zones: By positioning the patient in a way that favors increased airflow to the apical lung zones, ventilation can be enhanced in these regions, improving gas exchange.
2. Increasing perfusion in apical lung zones: By positioning the patient to encourage increased blood flow to the apical lung zones, perfusion can be improved, allowing for better gas exchange.
3. Decreasing absolute ventilation in apical lung zones: In certain cases, decreasing the ventilation to the apical lung zones may be necessary to redirect airflow to healthier regions of the lung, improving gas exchange overall.
4. Decreasing perfusion in apical lung zones: Similarly, in certain situations, reducing blood flow to the apical lung zones may be required to divert perfusion to regions of the lung with better gas exchange, leading to improved oxygenation.