A patient with pulmonary fibrosis experiences thickened alveolar walls. If arterial pCO2 remains normal, which consequence follows regarding respiratory gas exchange?

💡 Explanation

The partial pressure gradient of oxygen decreases because thickened alveolar walls increase the diffusion distance, therefore hindering oxygen's ability to efficiently move from the alveoli into the capillaries. Because arterial pCO2 is normal, increased ventilation compensates for reduced oxygen transfer, rather than affecting CO2 elimination.

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