Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What factors most significantly impact an infant's ability to remove CO2?

1. Pulmonary blood flow and generated infant breath

2. Tidal volume and gas flow

3. Ventilation rate and lung compliance

4. Respiratory rate and environmental factors

The correct answer is: Pulmonary blood flow and generated infant breath

The ability of an infant to effectively remove CO2 is primarily influenced by several physiological factors related to the respiratory system. In the context of respiratory function, pulmonary blood flow and the generated infant breath play a crucial role. Pulmonary blood flow is essential because it determines how much blood is available to exchange gases in the lungs. If blood flow is reduced or impaired, the efficiency of gas exchange, including CO2 removal, is compromised. The condition of an infant’s lungs, as well as any associated congenital or acquired respiratory issues, can further impact this function. The aspect of "generated infant breath" involves the mechanics of breathing, which includes factors such as the strength and rhythm of the respiratory muscles. Infants have a different respiratory physiology compared to adults, with factors like airway resistance and the compliance of their lungs affecting breath generation. Insufficient or ineffective breathing patterns can lead to inadequate ventilation, thereby impairing the removal of CO2. Understanding that the interplay between these elements is fundamental to respiratory health in infants clarifies why this option is the most comprehensive concerning the factors affecting CO2 removal.