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4. 1 and 3

His chest x-ray and spirometry are normal but his low SpO2 is worrisome. For this reason he is admitted to the ICU and his ABGs performed on room air are below.  

            PaO2 40 mm Hg

            PaCO2 82 mm Hg

            pH 7.12

            HCO3 34 mEq/L

            SaO2 76

What is the cause of his low PaO2 and SpO2? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the third of five pages)

1. Alveolar-capillary block
2. Hypoventilation
3. Right to left shunt
4. Ventilation/perfusion mismatch
5. None of the above

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