TYK137
All of the following are true of respiratory physiology in the neonate (as compared to the adult) EXCEPT:
a) The dead space ratio is 0.3
b) Vital capacity is 3 times greater (per kilogram) than in the adult
c) A tidal volume of 18 mL/kg would be unusual
d) Carbon dioxide production is approximately 3 times greater in the newborn (per kilogram)
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Answer
Answer b.
Vital capacity, Functional residual capacity, tidal volume, and dead space are all similar between adults and neonates. However, respiratory rate (and hence minute ventilation) are increased three-fold to accommodate the significantly increased oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production in the neonate.
Notes
- This question originally printed in the Pediatric Anesthesiology Review Topics kindle book series, and appears courtesy of Naerthwyn Press, LLC.
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