Yes.
Exercise uncovers her basic defect in oxygen transfer by increasing the body's
demand for oxygen. Under these conditions, the lungs cannot keep up with the
oxygen demand and the pO2 drops to 67. These results suggest VQ mismatch or
pulmonary fibrosis. Other causes for hypoxemia don't really fit her pattern.
For example, a significant shunt should produce a resting hypoxia and hypoventilation
should impair CO2 transfer in addition to oxygen transfer.
Hematocrit 32.1 %
WBC 9800 /ul
Serum bicarbonate 27 meq/l
Arterial Blood gases:
___________Room Air_____________
At rest During exercise Rest/oxygen
pO2 91 67 541
pCO2 32 37 29
pH 7.46 7.41 7.49