Assume a Lori has a resting tidal volume of 400 ml a respira

Assume a Lori has a resting tidal volume of 400 ml, a respiratory rate of 13 breaths/min (minute ventilation) and an anatomic dead space of 125 ml. When she exercises, which of the following scenarios would be most efficient for increasing her oxygen delivery to her lungs? Increasing respiratory rate to 2-0 breaths/min but have no change on tidal volume Increase tidal volume to 550 ml but have no change in respiratory rate Increase tidal volume to 500 ml and respiratory rate to 15 breaths/min Defend your answer, show equations. Which of these scenarios is most likely to occur during exercise in real life?

Solution

Alveolar ventilation rate has more significant than total pulmonary ventilation.

Alveolar ventilation rate = Ventilation rate x (Tidal volume - dead space volume)

Calculating alveolar venilation in the three given cases

a. 20 x (400-125) = 5500 ml/min

b. 13 x (550-125) = 5525 ml/min

c. 15 x (500-125) = 5615 ml/min

The option c will be the most efficient way of oxygen delivery to lungs of Lori.

Scenario a is likely to happen in daily life.