Which of the following conditions is associated with hyperventilation?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the UCF Human Physiology Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Hyperventilation is characterized by an increase in breathing rate and depth, often resulting in excessive expulsion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. As CO2 is removed from the bloodstream at an accelerated rate, the concentration of CO2 in arterial blood decreases. This decrease leads to a condition known as respiratory alkalosis, where the pH of the blood increases due to the lower levels of carbonic acid formed from dissolved CO2.

In terms of arterial carbon dioxide tension (PCO2), hyperventilation is uniquely associated with decreased arterial PCO2, which provides an understanding of the respiratory system's immediate response to certain physiological or psychological conditions such as anxiety, exercise, or altitude changes. Therefore, it is clear that hyperventilation results in decreased arterial PCO2 as the individual is breathing out CO2 at a higher rate than is being produced.