Clara begins to hyperventilate minutes before going in for her interview. What changes do you expect in her arterial blood gas

Question

Clara begins to hyperventilate minutes before going in for her interview. What changes do you expect in her arterial blood gas?

A. A rise in partial pressure of carbon dioxide
B. A fall in partial pressure of carbon dioxide
C. A fall in partial pressure of oxygen
D. No change in arterial blood gas

Anonymous · Answer

B. A fall in partial pressure of carbon dioxide

Hyperventilation: quick & short breaths – patient is letting out more CO2

HYPOventilation: this is where you will see a rise in CO2 partial pressure but a fall of O2 partial pressure

Clara begins to hyperventilate minutes before going in for her interview. What changes do you expect in her arterial blood gas

1 Answer