tommyk
04-03-2004, 05:47 PM
Q) WHAT causes a very HIGH A-a gradient then? This is a CRITICAL concept.
A) The partial press in the alveoli rarely matches that of the arteries because there are V/Q mismatches and shunts. If you see a hypoxic person with super high A-a gradients, then that indicates there is a problem in V, ventilation, or Q, perfusion, and or diffusion.
A) The partial press in the alveoli rarely matches that of the arteries because there are V/Q mismatches and shunts. If you see a hypoxic person with super high A-a gradients, then that indicates there is a problem in V, ventilation, or Q, perfusion, and or diffusion.