Which of the following values is most commonly associated with the standard for minute ventilation?

• A. 3-5 L/min
• B. 5-7 L/min
• C. 6-8 L/min
• D. 8-10 L/min

Answer: (C)

The correct value associated with the standard for minute ventilation is 6-8 L/min. Minute ventilation refers to the volume of air that is inhaled or exhaled from a person's lungs over one minute. This is a vital measure in respiratory physiology as it directly correlates with the amount of oxygen available for gas exchange and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body.

A typical minute ventilation rate of 6-8 L/min is considered normal for an adult at rest. This range allows for sufficient gas exchange during normal metabolic activity, providing enough oxygen to tissues and facilitating the removal of carbon dioxide, which is produced as a metabolic waste product.

Understanding this range is crucial for various clinical applications, including assessing respiratory function in patients and determining appropriate ventilation settings in mechanical ventilation. Values outside this range may indicate under- or over-ventilation, which can lead to respiratory distress or failure.

The other ranges, while they do pertain to specific populations or conditions, do not reflect the standard minute ventilation typically observed in healthy adults at rest.