A patient with pulmonary fibrosis experiences thickened alveolar walls. If arterial pCO2 remains normal, which consequence follows regarding respiratory gas exchange?

💡 Explanation

The partial pressure gradient of oxygen decreases because thickened alveolar walls increase the diffusion distance, therefore hindering oxygen's ability to efficiently move from the alveoli into the capillaries. Because arterial pCO2 is normal, increased ventilation compensates for reduced oxygen transfer, rather than affecting CO2 elimination.

• Why does carbohydrate fermentation in the gut lead to gas production and bloating, rather than efficient energy absorption?
• Which risk increases as parathyroid hormone (PTH) rises excessively despite sufficient vitamin D and calcium intake, especially when kidney function declines?
• Why does severe dehydration increase the risk of medication toxicity in patients with reduced kidney function?
• Why does targeted temperature management (TTM) for post-cardiac arrest patients prevent fever above a specified range, such as 32-36°C, after the initial cooling phase?
• Which effect results when a mutation disrupts the enzyme tetrahydrofolate reductase in the folate metabolic pathway?
• After menopause, why does estrogen replacement therapy elevate the risk of endometrial hyperplasia?