Respiratory alkalosis is primarily caused by which physiologic change?

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Multiple Choice

Respiratory alkalosis is primarily caused by which physiologic change?

Explanation:
Respiratory alkalosis arises when ventilation increases, blowing off carbon dioxide faster than it’s produced. The resulting drop in arterial CO2 lowers the formation of carbonic acid, which reduces hydrogen ion concentration and raises pH. So the key physiologic change is increased alveolar ventilation. If ventilation decreased, CO2 would accumulate and cause acidosis; changes in bicarbonate relate to metabolic processes, not this respiratory mechanism; and a decreased pH would indicate acidosis rather than alkalosis.

Respiratory alkalosis arises when ventilation increases, blowing off carbon dioxide faster than it’s produced. The resulting drop in arterial CO2 lowers the formation of carbonic acid, which reduces hydrogen ion concentration and raises pH. So the key physiologic change is increased alveolar ventilation. If ventilation decreased, CO2 would accumulate and cause acidosis; changes in bicarbonate relate to metabolic processes, not this respiratory mechanism; and a decreased pH would indicate acidosis rather than alkalosis.

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