Physiology & Biochemistry · single question
A decrease in CO₂ in the blood will lead to what?
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Correct answer: A. Increased dead space ventilation
- A. Correct. Hyperventilation (increased tidal volume/rate) expels more CO₂ than produced, causing hypocapnia (decreased blood CO₂). This is the basis of respiratory alkalosis.
- B. Incorrect. Decreased respiratory rate leads to CO₂ retention (hypercapnia), not a decrease.
- C. Incorrect. Increased dead space reduces effective ventilation, causing CO₂ accumulation.
- D. Incorrect. Increased CO₂ production elevates blood CO₂ if ventilation doesn't compensate.
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