Which of the following effects results from exposure of a normal arterial blood sample to room air?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following effects results from exposure of a normal arterial blood sample to room air?

Exposure to room air causes the blood gas in a sample to equilibrate with the ambient gas composition. Room air has a high O2 content and very low CO2, so O2 diffuses into the sample increasing its pO2, while CO2 diffuses out reducing pCO2. Because a lower CO2 level shifts the bicarbonate–carbonic acid balance toward less acidity, the pH rises. In practice, this means the most accurate arterial blood gas values are preserved by sealing the sample promptly in a gas-tight container and keeping it from air exposure.

Exposure to room air causes the blood gas in a sample to equilibrate with the ambient gas composition. Room air has a high O2 content and very low CO2, so O2 diffuses into the sample increasing its pO2, while CO2 diffuses out reducing pCO2. Because a lower CO2 level shifts the bicarbonate–carbonic acid balance toward less acidity, the pH rises. In practice, this means the most accurate arterial blood gas values are preserved by sealing the sample promptly in a gas-tight container and keeping it from air exposure.

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