Question

which condition increases physiologic dead space the most?
guess my favorite...
(a) bronchospasm
(b) pneumonia
(c) atelectasis
(d) pulmonary embolism

Explanation:

Physiologic dead space is the sum of anatomical dead space and alveolar dead space (alveoli that are ventilated but not perfused).

• Bronchospasm, pneumonia, and atelectasis primarily affect alveolar ventilation or gas exchange in perfused alveoli, not causing major perfusion deficits.
• Pulmonary embolism blocks pulmonary blood flow, creating large areas of ventilated but unperfused alveoli, drastically increasing alveolar (and thus physiologic) dead space.

Answer:

D. pulmonary embolism