Question

A nurse is obtaining arterial blood gases for a patient who is experiencing hyperventilation. The nurse should expect which of the following acid-base imbalance from hyperventilating?

Select one:

a. Respiratory acidosis

b. Respiratory alkalosis

c. Metabolic acidosis

d. Metabolic alkalosis

Answer 1

Answer :

Respiratory alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood are not balanced.

Your body needs oxygen to function properly. When you inhale, you introduce oxygen into the lungs. When you exhale, you release carbon dioxide, which is a waste product. Normally, the respiratory system keeps these two gases in balance.

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when you breathe too fast or too deep and carbon dioxide levels drop too low. This causes the pH of the blood to rise and become too alkaline. When the blood becomes too acidic, respiratory acidosis occurs.