Question

Which of the following options correctly describes the relationship between PaCO₂ and minute ventilation?

1) The relationship between PaCO₂ and minute ventilation is hyperbolic, meaning that at higher PaCO₂, changes in increased minute ventilation will have a greater effect in lowering PaCO₂ than at low PaCO₂.
2) The relationship between PaCO₂ and minute ventilation is linear, meaning that changes in minute ventilation will have the same effect on PaCO₂ regardless of the initial PaCO₂ level.
3) The relationship between PaCO₂ and minute ventilation is exponential, meaning that at higher PaCO₂, changes in increased minute ventilation will have a smaller effect in lowering PaCO₂ than at low PaCO₂.
4) The relationship between PaCO₂ and minute ventilation is inverse, meaning that as minute ventilation increases, PaCO₂ also increases.

Answer 1

The relationship between PaCO₂ and minute ventilation is hyperbolic.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between PaCO₂ and minute ventilation is hyperbolic, meaning that at higher PaCO₂, changes in increased minute ventilation will have a greater effect in lowering PaCO₂ than at low PaCO₂.