Question

In a patient with pneumonia, which of the following could be causes of the an increased respiratory rate? (Select all that apply) 

A Fever 

B. The medulla increasing the respiratory rate to attempt to reduce CO2 levels 

C. The pons increases the respiratory rate to increase CO2 levels 

D. Rate increase in response to decrease oxygen levels to the tissues 

E. The rate decrease the cardiac output which decreases CO2 levels 

Answer 1

In the patient with pneumonia, the cause of the increased respiratory rate is:

B and D

B. The medulla increases the respiratory rate to attempt to reduce CO2 level

Because the medulla is responsible for the maintenance of the breathing, when in pneumonia the individual will not be able to take in oxygen properly making it difficult for the person to breathe and to survive. Hence to avoid the fell death the medulla increases the respiratory rate.

D. Rate increases in response to decrease in oxygen level in to the tissue:

As the body organs and tissues starts getting less oxygen making it difficult to survive it demands oxygen to the heart which in response helps on increasing the respiration rate by the lungs to adjust.