Question

A 29-year-old man who lives at the sea level drives up to a high altitude (17,000 feet) for over 3 hours. Which of the following statements best describe his condition after the elevation climb?

A. Increased arterial PO2
B. Decreased arterial PCO2
C. Decreased arterial pH
D. Decreased respiratory rate

Answer 1

D. Decreased arterial PCO2

Step-by-step explanation:

pO2 decreases exponentially with altitude, this leads to an increase in the respiratory rate in an attempt to gain equilibrium, this leads to a decreasing arterial pCO2, this will displace the equilibrium of gases exchanged resulting in a loss of H+ and leading to respiratory alkalosis, an increasing on arterial's pH.

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