Hyperventilation (rapid inhalation and exhalation) can result in respiratory alkalosis (increased blood pH). Why?
A) Hyperventilation results in inefficient gas exchange, and not enough oxygen is absorbed by the blood.
B) More metabolic waste is released into the blood, thus reducing the pH.
C) Rapid breathing depletes the blood of carbon dioxide, thus the blood pH increases.
D) Excess production of carbon dioxide decreases the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rapid breathing during hyperventilation causes more carbon dioxide to be exhaled from the lungs, which reduces the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood. This, in turn, reduces the amount of carbonic acid (H2CO3) that can be formed in the blood, and leads to an increase in blood pH, resulting in respiratory alkalosis.

Hyperventilation (Rapid Inhalation and Exhalation) Can Result in Respiratory Alkalosis