Fick Principle Equation — FRCA Primary MCQ
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Correct answer: D — CO = O2 consumption / arteriovenous O2 difference
Fick principle: CO = VO2 / (CaO2 - CvO2). This states that the amount of substance taken up or released by an organ per unit time equals the blood flow through that organ multiplied by the arteriovenous concentration difference. For the whole body: CO = total O2 consumption / (arterial O2 content - mixed venous O2 content).
Reference: Power Kam 2018 Principles of Physiology for the Anaesthetist