Question

Which of these occur(s) during hypoxemia? a. Increased ventilation b. Increased production of 2,3-DPG c. Increased production of erythropoietin d. All of these

Short answer

During hypoxemia, all of the following occur: a. Increased ventilation, b. Increased production of 2,3-DPG, and c. Increased production of erythropoietin. Therefore, the correct answer is d. All of these.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding hypoxemia and ventilation

To understand hypoxemia, we should know that it is a result of inadequate oxygen levels in the blood. Ventilation is the process of exchanging air between the lungs and the atmosphere to ensure proper gas exchange. During hypoxemia, the body will try to compensate by increasing ventilation to receive more oxygen. Thus, increased ventilation occurs during hypoxemia.

Understanding 2,3-DPG and its function in hypoxemia

2,3-DPG (2,3-diphosphoglycerate) is a substance present in red blood cells that stabilizes the deoxy form of hemoglobin and lowers its oxygen affinity. During hypoxemia, the body tries to release more oxygen to the tissues, and one way to achieve this is by increasing the production of 2,3-DPG. This leads to a greater release of oxygen from hemoglobin, thus compensating for the low oxygen levels. So, increased production of 2,3-DPG also occurs during hypoxemia.

Understanding erythropoietin production during hypoxemia

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulate the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. An increase in red blood cells can enhance the body's oxygen-carrying capacity. During hypoxemia, the body tends to increase the production of erythropoietin to produce more red blood cells and improve oxygen delivery to the tissues. Therefore, increased production of erythropoietin also occurs during hypoxemia.

Concluding the answer

Now that we have analyzed that all three options happen during hypoxemia: a. Increased ventilation. b. Increased production of 2,3-DPG. c. Increased production of erythropoietin. The correct answer is: d. All of these.