Question

According to the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve, PO2 in the lungs of 100 mm Hg results in Hb being 98% saturated. At high altitude, there is less O2. At a PO2 in the lungs of 80 mm Hg, Hb would be ________ saturated.

Answer 1

Answer:

Hb would be 78.4% saturated.

Explanation:

This problem can be solved by using simple unitary method.

At 100 mm Hg pressure of oxygen, Hb is saturated by 98%

So, at 1 mm Hg pressure of oxygen, Hb is saturated by $\frac{98}{100}$%

Hence, at 80 mm Hg pressure of oxygen, Hb is saturated by $\frac{98\times 80}{100}$% or 78.4%

Therefore, at 80 mm Hg pressure of oxygen in the lungs, Hb would be 78.4% saturated.