Question

Control of breathing and acid base question Arterial blood gases and alveolar ventilation are sampled in Kelowna and at two points (at 4 hours and at 7 days) upon arrival to 4200m. The mean results for a group of 20 healthy young students are outlined below. Kelowna: Alveolar ventilation = 6 L/min P2O2 = 95 mmHg P.CO2= 40 mmHg HCO3 = 24 mEq/L pH = 7.4 Hour 4 @ 4200m: Alveolar ventilation = 7 L/min P2O2 = 51 mmHg PACO2 = 34 mmHg HCO3 = 24 mEq/L pH = 7.6 7 days @ 4200m: Alveolar ventilation = 9 L/min P2O2= 55 mmHg PACO2 = 28 mmHg HCO3 = 18 mEq/L pH = 7.4

Question - Six months later the same group go to the same high altitude for the same duration;
however, this time they take 250mg/day of Acetazolamide for two days prior to ascent and
over the 7 days while at 4200m. Explain how the above acid-base and alveolar ventilation
might be altered as a result of administration of Acetazolamide? (1 paragraph)

Answer 1

Acta sobmide leads to lower arterial and nenors blood , PH & lactate level and therealed ventilation. It results in higher arteriel PO2 & Saturation as it causes greater ventilation a more effrüent polmonary gas exchange, therefore arterial for will increase so acetsolmige will lower blood pH & Polo, will mirease. clactate level will be reduced.