A patient with an uncompensated respiratory alkalosis may have
A. Been exposed to living at high altitudes.
B. A reduced [H2CO3]:[HCO3- ] ratio.
C. Neuromuscular hyperexcitability.
D. An arterial pH of 7.3.
E. A blood [H+ ] of 30 nmol/litre
The correct answers are:
B. A reduced [H2CO3]:[HCO3- ] ratio.
C. Neuromuscular hyperexcitability.
Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is an acute increase in ventilation, leading to excessive CO2 exhalation and a decrease in carbonic acid (H2CO3) levels. This results in:
– A reduced [H2CO3]:[HCO3- ] ratio (B), as H2CO3 levels decrease.
– Neuromuscular hyperexcitability (C), due to altered ion balances and pH changes, leading to muscle twitching, cramps, and s