If the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve shifts to the right due to a pH of about 7.1, how is hemoglobin saturation with oxygen affected, particularly when the patient's plasma PO2... If the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve shifts to the right due to a pH of about 7.1, how is hemoglobin saturation with oxygen affected, particularly when the patient's plasma PO2 is still 60 mm Hg?
Understand the Problem
The question is discussing the physiological implications of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve shifting to the right due to a change in pH levels. It highlights how this shift affects the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen, and how it relates to plasma PO2 levels in a patient.
Answer
Hemoglobin saturation decreases at a PO2 of 60 mm Hg.
When the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve shifts to the right due to a pH of about 7.1, hemoglobin has a decreased affinity for oxygen. This means that at a plasma PO2 of 60 mm Hg, hemoglobin will be less saturated with oxygen than in normal conditions.
Answer for screen readers
When the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve shifts to the right due to a pH of about 7.1, hemoglobin has a decreased affinity for oxygen. This means that at a plasma PO2 of 60 mm Hg, hemoglobin will be less saturated with oxygen than in normal conditions.
More Information
A rightward shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve indicates decreased oxygen affinity due to factors like lower pH (acidosis).
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the effects of left and right shifts. Remember, a right shift means reduced oxygen affinity.
Sources
- Physiology, Oxygen Transport And Carbon Dioxide Dissociation Curve - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
