Asthma USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 24-year-old man with acute asthma exacerbation presents with wheezing and dyspnea. Vital signs show BP 128/82 mmHg, HR 112/min, RR 28/min, temperature 37.2°C, and SpO2 89% on room air. He is intubated with tidal volume 500 mL and respiratory rate 14/min. Arterial blood gas reveals pH 7.28 and PaCO2 52 mmHg. Physiologic dead space measures 150 mL. He denies recent corticosteroid use. What is his alveolar ventilation per minute?
Answer choices
- A5.0 L
- B2.1 L
- C7.0 L
- D9.1 L
- E4.9 LCorrect answer
- F6.3 L per minute
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