Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

What is the role of the hypoxic drive in respiration?

1. It controls respiration with high sensitivity to O2 levels

2. It serves as a backup system for respiration control

3. It regulates blood pressure during respiration

4. It initializes the cough reflex during low oxygen

The correct answer is: It serves as a backup system for respiration control

The hypoxic drive refers to the mechanism by which the body detects low oxygen levels (hypoxia) to stimulate respiration. This drive is particularly important for individuals who have chronic respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where the primary drive for breathing may be altered due to elevated carbon dioxide levels. In normal physiology, the primary regulators of breathing are the levels of carbon dioxide and pH, but in certain patients, particularly those who are hypercapnic (have high CO2 levels), the hypoxic drive can act as a backup system. When oxygen levels drop, it signals the body to increase the rate and depth of breathing, thus compensating for the reduced efficiency in gas exchange. This mechanism is crucial because, in patients relying on this drive, high concentrations of oxygen could actually diminish their respiratory drive, highlighting the importance of maintaining a careful balance in oxygen therapy. Understanding the hypoxic drive helps healthcare professionals manage and care for patients experiencing respiratory distress, ensuring that they do not inadvertently impair their ability to breathe effectively.