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Fundamentals of Gas Exchange and the Assessment of Oxygenation and Ventilation

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Pediatric Critical Care Study Guide

Abstract

The basic function of the respiratory system is to supply oxygen (O2) to, and remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from, the body. The essential steps in this process include the exchange of gas between the atmosphere and the alveoli (ventilation), the diffusion of these gases across the alveolar capillary membrane, the transportation of gases in the blood, and the diffusion of the gases to and from the tissue capillaries.

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Suggested Readings

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA

    John S. Sullivan M.D.

  2. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Geisinger Medical Center, Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, Danville, PA, USA

    John S. Sullivan M.D.

  3. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA

    Toah A. Nkromah D.O.

Authors
  1. John S. Sullivan M.D.
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  2. Toah A. Nkromah D.O.
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Children's Heart Group, Div. Pediatric Critical Care, Penn State Children's Hospital, University Drive 500, Hershey, 17078, Pennsylvania, USA

    Steven E. Lucking

  2. Janet Weis Children's Hospital @ Geising, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, N. Academy Ave 100, Danville, 17822, Pennsylvania, USA

    Frank A. Maffei

  3. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, University Drive 500, Hershey, 17033-2390, Pennsylvania, USA

    Robert F. Tamburro

  4. College of Medicine, Penn State Children's Hospital, Pennsylvania State University, University Drive 500, Hershey, 17078, Pennsylvania, USA

    Neal J. Thomas

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Sullivan, J.S., Nkromah, T.A. (2012). Fundamentals of Gas Exchange and the Assessment of Oxygenation and Ventilation. In: Lucking, S., Maffei, F., Tamburro, R., Thomas, N. (eds) Pediatric Critical Care Study Guide. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-923-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-923-9_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-922-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-923-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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