Question

Patients with the respiratory disease emphysema lose the elasticity of their alveoli; their efforts to exhale can collapse the bronchioles and cause the alveoli to rupture. How might this disease affect the carbon dioxide content of their blood?

Group of answer choices

a. It would decrease because with less oxygen available less carbon dioxide would be produced.

b. It would decrease because the high level of oxygen in the blood would block the carbon dioxide binding sites.

c. It would increase because there would be more pressure in the lungs that would force the carbon dioxide to dissolve in the blood.

d. It would increase because their lungs have less surface area available for diffusion.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Pulmonary emphysema, a progressive lung disease, is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) defines it as "a common, preventable and treatable disease that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases." This activity reviews the cause, pathophysiology, and presentation of emphysema and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in its management.