The carpopedal spasms that occur due to hyperventilation syndrome are a result of a relative ________, secondary to ________.
A) hypocalcemia, decrease in unbound calcium
B) hypercalcemia, respiratory alkalosis
C) hypocalcemia, increase in bound calcium
D) hyponatremia, respiratory alkalosis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carpopedal spasms from hyperventilation syndrome are due to a relative hypocalcemia, which happens because of an increase in bound calcium. Hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis, which increases the binding of calcium to albumin, thus reducing the amount of ionized (or unbound) calcium available for biological functions.

The Carpopedal Spasms That Occur Due to Hyperventilation Syndrome Are