The purpose of ventilation is to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lungs. The average 70-kg man produces approximately 220 mL/min of CO2 and normally maintains an arterial CO2 (PaCO2) of 40 mmHg. If removal of CO2 is impaired, or if production increases, and ventilation does not increase, the PaCO2 rises. Arterial blood gas analysis provides the ultimate monitor of ventilation: PaCO2. In the lungs, CO2 diffuses into alveoli, and in those areas where ventilation and perfusion are well matched, alveolar CO2 (PACO2)
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