A patient has severe pneumonia, which has thickened the respiratory membrane. Despite oxygen therapy, he still has rapid respiration and feels as if he is not getting enough air. This is because

A) the O₂ increases the stimulation of the carotid and aortic bodies.
B) the O₂ stimulates the respiratory center to increase the respiratory rate.
C) his blood pH increased and stimulated an increase in his respiratory rate.
D) even though he is receiving enough O₂, CO₂ and H⁺ accumulate in his blood and cause the respiratory rate to continue to increase.
E) O₂ cannot diffuse across the thickened membrane.

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Lauryn Glotfelty · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  The correct answer is D because when the respiratory membrane is thickened due to severe pneumonia, it hampers the efficient exchange of gases. Even with supplemental oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen ions (H+) can accumulate in the blood, leading to respiratory acidosis. This condition stimulates the respiratory center to increase the rate of respiration in an attempt to expel more CO2 and correct the acidosis, explaining the patient's rapid respiration and sensation of not getting enough air.

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