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Oxygen Delivery Equation — FRCA Primary MCQ

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HardPhysiology - CardiovascularOxygen Delivery EquationFRCA Primary

Which equation correctly expresses systemic oxygen delivery (DO2) when units are kept consistent?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: ACardiac output multiplied by arterial oxygen content

The best answer is “Cardiac output multiplied by arterial oxygen content”. Systemic oxygen delivery equals cardiac output multiplied by arterial oxygen content. Oxygen content includes haemoglobin-bound oxygen and a small dissolved component, so PaO2 or saturation alone is insufficient. Care is needed to use compatible units when calculating a numerical result.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK, Adult advanced life support guidelines: https://www.resus.org.uk/library/2025-resuscitation-guidelines/adult-advanced-life-support-guidelines