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• Alveolar minute ventilation affects carbon dioxide
removal and PaCO2.
− PaCO2=CO2 Production/Alveolar minute ventilation
• Consistent minute ventilation can aid in keeping a
normal acid/base balance.
• Severe hypocarbia or severe hypercarbia can
cause rapid changes in cerebral blood flow
• Rapid changes in cerebral blood flow can cause:
− IVH
− PVL
Why is consistent minute
ventilation important?