Question

Which of the following acid-base disturbances commonly occurs with the hyperventilation and impaired gas exchange seen in severe exacerbation of asthma?

1) Metabolic acidosis
2) Metabolic alkalosis
3) Respiratory acidosis
4) Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 1

The acid-base disturbance commonly occurring with hyperventilation seen in severe asthma exacerbations is respiratory alkalosis, due to excessive exhalation of CO2 and reduced carbonic acid levels in blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

Severe exacerbations of asthma often lead to hyperventilation, which is characterized by an increase in the rate of breathing, leading to excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2). This rapid breathing causes a decrease in the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in the blood, ultimately reducing the concentration of carbonic acid and, hence, increasing the blood pH towards the alkaline side. This form of blood pH disturbance is known as respiratory alkalosis.

Impaired gas exchange in severe asthma can also contribute to hyperventilation, as the body attempts to compensate for low oxygen levels. The hyperventilation that ensues exacerbates the loss of CO2, which furthers the state of respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, the acid-base disturbance commonly associated with hyperventilation in severe asthma is respiratory alkalosis, not metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, or respiratory acidosis.

The final answer to the question is Respiratory Alkalosis, and the two-line explanation for this conclusion is as follows: Severe asthma exacerbation can lead to hyperventilation where too much CO2 is exhaled. This causes a decrease in carbonic acid levels in the blood, resulting in respiratory alkalosis (an overly alkaline blood pH).