If minute ventilation is 5 L/min and the respiratory rate is 12 breaths per minute, what is the approximate tidal volume per breath?

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Multiple Choice

If minute ventilation is 5 L/min and the respiratory rate is 12 breaths per minute, what is the approximate tidal volume per breath?

Minute ventilation is the product of tidal volume and respiratory rate, so to find tidal volume you divide minute ventilation by the rate. 5 L/min divided by 12 breaths/min equals about 0.4167 L per breath, which is roughly 417 mL per breath. This matches the given rate, since 417 mL per breath with 12 breaths per minute produces around 5 L/min of ventilation. For context, a tidal volume of about 250 mL would yield about 3 L/min with the same rate; 1000 mL would give about 12 L/min; and 600 mL would give about 7.2 L/min, none of which align with the 5 L/min given.

Minute ventilation is the product of tidal volume and respiratory rate, so to find tidal volume you divide minute ventilation by the rate. 5 L/min divided by 12 breaths/min equals about 0.4167 L per breath, which is roughly 417 mL per breath. This matches the given rate, since 417 mL per breath with 12 breaths per minute produces around 5 L/min of ventilation. For context, a tidal volume of about 250 mL would yield about 3 L/min with the same rate; 1000 mL would give about 12 L/min; and 600 mL would give about 7.2 L/min, none of which align with the 5 L/min given.

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