During alkalosis, what change occurs in respiratory activity?
Respiratory rate decreases to retain CO:
Respiratory rate remains unchanged
Respiratory muscles contract more frequently
Respiratory rate increases to eliminate excess CO2
The Correct Answer is A
A. Respiratory rate decreases to retain CO2: To compensate for an alkaline pH, the respiratory center reduces minute ventilation to allow metabolic carbon dioxide to accumulate. This increases the partial pressure of CO2 and the subsequent production of carbonic acid. This respiratory compensation helps shift the pH back toward 7.4.
B. Respiratory rate remains unchanged: Failure to adjust the respiratory rate during a pH disturbance would allow the alkalosis to persist or worsen. The chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies and medulla are highly sensitive to pH shifts. They provide immediate feedback to modulate breathing and restore chemical equilibrium.
C. Respiratory muscles contract more frequently: More frequent contractions would increase the respiratory rate and deepen the alkalotic state by removing more carbon dioxide. This would be a maladaptive response to an already high pH. The body seeks to conserve CO2 rather than accelerate its removal during alkalemia.
D. Respiratory rate increases to eliminate excess CO2: This is the compensatory response for metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis. Increasing CO2 elimination raises the pH further, which would be dangerous in a patient who is already alkalotic. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by this specific type of excessive CO2 loss.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
False: HHS is a metabolic complication primarily associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, where relative insulin deficiency allows for extreme hyperglycemia without significant ketosis. Type 1 diabetics typically develop diabetic ketoacidosis because they lack the insulin levels required to suppress lipolysis. This distinction is critical for clinical management.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. It measures the volume of blood plasma only: Osmolality refers to the concentration of particles per kilogram of solvent rather than the total volume of the compartment. Volume is a quantitative measure of space, while osmolality is a qualitative measure of solute density. These are distinct hemodynamic parameters.
B. It is influenced by the balance of solutes and water in the blood: The ratio of dissolved particles, primarily sodium, glucose, and urea, to the volume of water determines the osmotic pressure. High water intake decreases osmolality through dilution. Conversely, water loss through perspiration or diuresis increases the concentration of these solutes.
C. It has no relationship to hydration status: Plasma osmolality is the primary physiological indicator used by the hypothalamus to monitor hydration. Rising osmolality triggers the thirst mechanism and the release of antidiuretic hormone to conserve water. It is the most sensitive marker for systemic water balance.
D. It varies greatly in healthy individuals: Homeostatic mechanisms maintain plasma osmolality within a very narrow range, typically 280 to 295 mOsm/kg. Tight regulation ensures that cells do not experience osmotic shock or volume shifts. Significant variations usually indicate underlying pathological states or severe dehydration.
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