Question

56. Hypocapnia:

Select one:

a. would result in an increase in blood pH.

b. would not affect the rate and depth of breathing.

c. may occur in a patient with COPD.

d. usually occurs in conjunction with reduced respiratory rates.

e. Is caused by poor oxygen uptake.

Answer 1

56.Hypocapnia is described as a condition decreased levels of CO₂ in blood

Option a is incorrect because when the levels of carbondioxide is lower, this will result in the decreased formation of HCO₃- ions by the reaction

CO₂ + H₂O H₂CO₃ H⁺ + HCO₃-

Since, the levels of bicarbonate ions drop when the levels of carbondioxide reduces, therefore , will reduce the pH resulting in metabolic acidosis.Hence increase in pH does not happen.

Option b is incorrect because as the carbondioxide level drops is mainly because of hyperventilation as it associated with deep and increased breathing rates, therefore increased depth and breathing rate will worsen the condition.

Option c is incorrect because in case of COPD the airways are blocked or obstructed where there is excess amount of mucous produced in the airways . This will result in hypercarnia and not hypocarnia because the carbondioxide is not effectively pumped out due to obstructed resulting in the buildup of the gas.

Option d is correct because hypocapnia occurs when the respiration rates are more and because of hyperventilation.This is dealt by the compensatory mechanism in body where the respiration rates are decreased, thereby reducing the effects of hypocapnia

Option e is incorrect because hyperventilation or increased oxygen intake is what leads to hypocapnia.

Therefore, option d is the right answer.