Which condition is caused by excessive ventilation leading to decreased CO2 levels in the blood?
Respiratory Acidosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic Acidosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
The Correct Answer is D
A. Respiratory Acidosis: This occurs due to hypoventilation (under-ventilation). If a person has lung disease or suppressed breathing, Carbon IV oxide builds up in the blood. Because Carbon IV oxide is acidic, the blood pH drops.
B. Metabolic Alkalosis: This is caused by a loss of hydrogen ions or a gain of bicarbonate HCO3 from non-respiratory sources—most commonly through severe vomiting (loss of stomach acid) or the overuse of antacids.
C. Metabolic Acidosis: This happens when the body produces too much acid (like in Diabetic Ketoacidosis) or the kidneys can’t remove enough acid.
D. Respiratory Alkalosis: The condition caused by excessive ventilation leading to decreased CO₂ levels in the blood is respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation, whether due to anxiety, pain, fever, hypoxia, or certain medications, causes rapid exhalation of carbon dioxide, lowering the partial pressure of CO₂ (hypocapnia) in the blood. This reduction shifts the carbonic acid–bicarbonate equilibrium, decreasing hydrogen ion concentration and raising blood pH. Clinical manifestations may include lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, dizziness, and sometimes muscle cramps or tetany. Respiratory alkalosis is a compensable condition if underlying causes are corrected and ventilation rates return to normal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. It increases: When oxygen demand rises, such as during exercise or metabolic stress, chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies and medulla detect lower oxygen levels and higher carbon dioxide levels. The respiratory center in the brainstem responds by increasing the rate and depth of breathing to enhance oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination, meeting the body’s metabolic needs.
B. It decreases: A decrease in respiratory rate would reduce oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal, worsening hypoxia and hypercapnia. This response is contrary to physiological needs during increased oxygen demand and would be maladaptive.
C. It remains the same: Maintaining a constant respiratory rate would be insufficient to meet elevated oxygen demands, leading to tissue hypoxia. The body naturally adjusts ventilation to match metabolic requirements rather than keeping it unchanged.
D. It stops: Complete cessation of breathing, or apnea, prevents oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal, which is life-threatening. The body automatically increases ventilation rather than stopping it when oxygen demand rises.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Elevated oxygen levels in the blood: Abnormalities in oxygen delivery typically result in reduced oxygen availability, not elevated levels. Hyperoxia is uncommon in pathological states and does not reflect impaired tissue oxygenation.
B. Enhanced tissue repair: Adequate oxygen is necessary for tissue repair, but abnormalities in delivery compromise this process rather than enhance it. Insufficient oxygen impairs cellular metabolism, collagen synthesis, and wound healing.
C. Hypoxia, which can lead to cell death and organ damage: Inadequate oxygen delivery causes hypoxia, limiting aerobic metabolism and ATP production. Prolonged hypoxia damages cells and can progress to organ dysfunction or failure, making it the primary consequence of impaired oxygen transport.
D. Increased metabolic activity: Reduced oxygen delivery decreases, rather than increases, cellular metabolic activity. Cells may switch to anaerobic metabolism, generating less energy and producing lactic acid, which can further impair tissue function.
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