Hyperventilation is usually accompanied by a(n)
A)decrease in blood CO₂ concentration and a drop in pH.
B)decrease in blood CO₂ concentration and a rise in pH.
C)increase in blood CO₂ concentration and a drop in pH.
D)increase in blood CO₂ concentration and a rise in pH.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation is the act of breathing too fast or too deeply, leading to a decrease in blood CO₂ concentration and a rise in pH. This occurs because the body is exhaling more CO₂ than it is producing, leading to a decrease in its concentration in the blood. CO₂ reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates to release hydrogen ions, leading to a drop in pH. Therefore, hyperventilation results in a respiratory alkalosis.

Hyperventilation Is Usually Accompanied by A(n)