Question

A 50-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of chronic obstructive lung disease. On review of the chart, the nurse noted the patient is both hypoxic and has an elevated carbon dioxide level. When examining the patient, the nurse notes an increased respiratory effort and use of accessory muscles

1. Explain the difference between the central and peripheral chemoteceptor and relate this back to the patient and how they would present ??

Answer 1

1.

Central chemoreceptor	Peripheral chemoreceptor
Central chemoreceptors are present in the medulla oblangata.	Peripheral chemoreceptors are present in carotid and aortic bodies.
They are responsive to cerebrospinal fluid pH.	They are responsive to plasma pH.
Have more influence on respiratory rate.	Have less influence on respiratory rate.
They identify even smaller changes in pCo2.	They identify large changes in pO2.
Catalyst is H+ ions in the CSF.	Catalyst is reduction in PaO2.

In the 50 -year old patient,increased level of carbondioxide decreases pH,causing respiratory acidosis.So central chemoreceptors identifies the changes in co2 levels as co2 diffuses through the blood brain barrier and CSF. This results in increased sympathetic blood flow to the blood vessels and thus the respiratory rate will be increased.In other hand,peripheral chemoreceptors checks the decreased oxygen level.