Calculation of Alveolar Ventilation Rate

Tidal Volume: 500 ml
Dead Space Volume: 150 ml
Breathing Rate: 12/min

Alveolar Ventilation Rate can be calculated using the following formula:

Alveolar Ventilation Rate = (Tidal Volume - Dead Space Volume) x Breathing Rate

Substituting the given values in the above formula, we get:

Alveolar Ventilation Rate = (500 ml - 150 ml) x 12/min
Alveolar Ventilation Rate = 350 ml x 12/min
Alveolar Ventilation Rate = 4200 ml/min or 4.2 L/min

Therefore, the correct option is B) 4.2 L/min.

Explanation

Alveolar Ventilation Rate is the volume of air that reaches the alveoli (tiny air sacs) in the lungs per minute. It is a measure of the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs. It depends on the tidal volume (the volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath), the dead space volume (the volume of air that remains in the conducting airways and does not participate in gas exchange), and the breathing rate (the number of breaths per minute).

In this question, the Tidal Volume is given as 500 ml, which means that with each breath, the person inhales and exhales 500 ml of air. The Dead Space Volume is given as 150 ml, which means that 150 ml of air remains in the conducting airways and does not participate in gas exchange. The Breathing Rate is given as 12/min, which means that the person takes 12 breaths per minute.

Using the formula for Alveolar Ventilation Rate, we can calculate the volume of air that reaches the alveoli per minute. By substituting the given values in the formula, we get the Alveolar Ventilation Rate as 4.2 L/min. This means that 4.2 liters of air reach the alveoli per minute, which indicates the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs.

Alveolar ventilation rate =( tidal volume - dead space volume) breathing rate
=500-150*12= 4.2lit/min