Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

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How does an increase in blood temperature affect PO2, PCO2, and pH?

Decrease PO2, Increase PCO2, Decrease pH
Increase PO2, Decrease PCO2, Increase pH
Increase PO2, Increase PCO2, Decrease pH
No effect on indicators

The correct answer is: Increase PO2, Increase PCO2, Decrease pH

An increase in blood temperature influences the solubility and transport of gases, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as the acid-base balance in the body. With rising blood temperature, the solubility of oxygen decreases, which contributes to a decrease in PO2, as the presence of oxygen in the dissolved state in blood diminishes. On the flip side, higher temperatures tend to favor the release of oxygen from hemoglobin, which can lead to an increase in carbon dioxide (PCO2) due to enhanced metabolic rates or increased cellular activity. Additionally, the production of metabolic acids can elevate levels of CO2, thus causing a higher concentration. In terms of pH, increasing PCO2 (due to increased metabolic demands and decreased solubility of O2) causes a shift in the bicarbonate buffer system, resulting in a decrease in pH. This is due to the formation of carbonic acid when CO2 dissolves in the blood, which in turn releases hydrogen ions leading to acidosis. Thus, as blood temperature rises, you would observe a decrease in oxygen tension (PO2), an increase in carbon dioxide tension (PCO2), and a decrease in blood pH, which aligns with the chosen answer.