Question

diffusion of oxygen into stagnant water is extremely slow, and there is a much higher concentration of oxygen gas in air than dissolved oxygen in liquid water at standard temperature and pressure. thus, patients with cystic fibrosis who experience a build - up of thick mucus in their lungs, or patients with pulmonary edema who have significant fluid in their lungs, may experience which of the following?
correct answer(s)

decreased gas exchange and oxygen uptake from the lungs to the bloodstream
higher blood oxygen levels
lower blood oxygen levels
increased gas exchange and oxygen uptake from the lungs to the bloodstream
incorrect answer(s)

Explanation:

Thick mucus (cystic fibrosis) or fluid (pulmonary edema) in lungs creates a barrier that slows oxygen diffusion (since oxygen diffuses slowly into stagnant water/fluid). This reduces gas exchange (O₂ uptake from lungs to blood), leading to lower blood oxygen levels.

Answer:

decreased gas exchange and oxygen uptake from the lungs to the bloodstream, lower blood oxygen levels