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When a person hyperventilates, there are lower than normal levels of PCO2 and hydrogen ion in arterial blood, a condition called respiratory alkalosis.

a-true
b-false

User Tihauan
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Final answer:

The statement is true; hyperventilation results in lower levels of PCO2 and H+, leading to a condition known as respiratory alkalosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that when a person hyperventilates, there are lower than normal levels of PCO2 and hydrogen ion in arterial blood, a condition called respiratory alkalosis, is true. Hyperventilation is the condition where there is an increased ventilation rate that leads to abnormally low blood levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and a higher (more alkaline) blood pH. The elevated respiratory rate can be triggered by various factors, including anxiety, fever, or an aspirin overdose. These events cause a deficiency in carbonic acid concentrations due to the excessive CO2 being exhaled, thus leading to an alkaline state known as respiratory alkalosis. As a result, the normal concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the blood is reduced, contributing to an increase in pH and creating an alkaline environment.

User Racoon
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