Question

The hypoxia in chronic respiratory failure 

A. May cause central cyanosis. 

B. May cause peripheral cyanosis. 

C. Leads to increased formation of erythropoietin. 

D. Raises pulmonary vascular resistance. 

E. May lead to right heart failure.

Answer 1

A. True Reduced V/P ratios allow deoxygenated blood to be shunted to the left side of the heart. 

B. False The peripheral circulation in chronic respiratory failure is usually adequate. 

C. True This in turn leads to the secondary polycythaemia typical of the condition.

D. True Hypoxia constricts pulmonary vessels and may cause pulmonary hypertension. 

E. True Persistent pulmonary hypertension can lead to right heart failure.