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Minute Ventilation 6 L/min — FRCA Primary MCQ

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EasyPhysiology - RespiratoryMinute Ventilation 6 L/minFRCA Primary

Regarding respiratory physiology the normal minute ventilation at rest is approximately:

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Correct answer: B — 6 L/min

Minute ventilation = tidal volume × respiratory rate = ~500 mL × 12 breaths/min = ~6 L/min. Alveolar ventilation = (TV - dead space) × RR = (500 - 150) × 12 = ~4.2 L/min. The difference between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation represents dead space ventilation (~1.8 L/min).

Reference: Power Kam 2018 Principles of Physiology for the Anaesthetist