Question

The oxygen saturation of a healthy individual rarely reaches 100% on room air. This can best be explained by which of the following concepts?

a.Physiologic shunting
b. Collateral air passages
c. Alveolar capillary diffusion
d.Anatomic dead space

Answer 1

Physiological shunting is the best explanation for why the oxygen saturation of a healthy individual rarely reaches 100% on room air.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxygen saturation of a healthy individual rarely reaches 100% on room air due to physiological shunting. Physiological shunting refers to a situation where blood bypasses the alveoli without participating in gas exchange. This can occur when there is a mismatch between ventilation and perfusion in the lungs, leading to some blood not picking up enough oxygen.