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Question 1#

The point of critical oxygen delivery (DO):

A. Represents the transition from supply-independent to supply-dependent oxygen uptake and is decreased in sepsis
B. Represents the minimal rate of oxygen delivery needed for aerobic metabolism and is decreased in sepsis
C. Represents the transition from supply-independent to supply-dependent oxygen uptake and is increased in sepsis
D. Represents the minimal rate of oxygen delivery needed for aerobic metabolism and is increased in sepsis

Correct Answer is C

Comment:

Under normal conditions when the supply of oxygen is plentiful, aerobic metabolism is determined by factors other than the availability of oxygen. However, in pathologic circumstances when oxygen availability is inadequate, oxygen utilization (VO₂) becomes dependent upon oxygen delivery (DO₂). The relationship of VO₂ to DO₂ over a broad range of DO₂ values is commonly represented as two intersecting straight lines. In the region of higher DO₂ values, the slope of the line is approximately zero, indicating that VO₂ is largely independent of DO₂• In contrast, in the region of low DO₂ values, the slope of the line is nonzero and positive, indicating that VO₂ is supply-dependent. The region where the two lines intersect is called the point of critical oxygen delivery (DO_2crit), and represents the transition from supply-independent to supplydependent oxygen uptake. Microcirculatory derangements, such as those seen in sepsis, will shift this point higher. Below a critical threshold of oxygen delivery, increased oxygen extraction cannot compensate for the delivery deficit; hence, oxygen consumption begins to decrease. The slope of the supplydependent region of the plot reflects the maximal oxygen extraction capability of the vascular bed being evaluated.