MCAT question #40

I cannot reveal my source, but I once again am privy to esoteric wisdom. The following is a question I have obtained from the Medical College Admission Exam (MCAT):


Which is the following cases presents the best example of the hypoxic drive theory:

• a. COPD retainer on 100% FiO2 for six hours in the ER to maintain an SpO2 of 90%. The patient is AAOX3 and denies shortness of breath.
• b.  COPD retainer on 2lpm to maintain an SpO2 of 86%.  The patient is cyanotic and complains of dyspnea.
• c.  The patient is on 35% air entrainment mask to maintain an SpO2 of 86.  The CO2 rose from 56-62 after the mask was placed on the patient.  The doctor instructs the RT to decrease the FiO2 on the mask to 30%
• d.  All of the above
• e.  Both b and c