Question

A 23-year-old female patient presents to

the ER with a feeling of being unable to catch
her breath, light-headedness, and "tingling" of
her fingers, toes, and around her mouth. This
happens whenever she drives through a tunnel,
and that is what set off this episode. Which of
the following arterial blood pHs would be most
consistent with her diagnosis?
(A) 8.10
(B) 7.55
(C) 7.15
(D) 6.40
(E) 6.10

Answer 1

A 23-year-old female likely experiencing respiratory alkalosis due to symptoms consistent with hyperventilation presents an arterial blood pH most consistent with option (B) 7.55.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 23-year-old female patient presenting to the ER with symptoms of difficulty catching her breath, light-headedness, and tingling in her fingers, toes, and around her mouth, particularly when driving through a tunnel, is likely experiencing a form of alkalosis. The symptoms described, such as tingling or numbness in extremities and lightheadedness, are consistent with a respiratory alkalosis, which could be brought on by hyperventilation often triggered by anxiety or panic attacks, such as when driving through a confined space like a tunnel. Given this information and considering that the normal arterial blood pH range is between 7.35 and 7.45, with levels above 7.45 indicating alkalosis, the most consistent arterial blood pH with her diagnosis would be option (B) 7.55.