Final answer:
Altitude-induced hyperventilation actually leads to respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis. It is a compensatory mechanism to increase the oxygen supply to the body at high altitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hyperventilation is the increased ventilation rate that leads to abnormally low blood carbon dioxide levels and high (alkaline) blood pH. It is characterized by excessive exhaling of carbon dioxide, resulting in a decrease in blood CO2 levels. Hyperventilation can occur due to various reasons, such as altitude-induced changes in oxygen levels. However, contrary to the statement, altitude-induced hyperventilation actually leads to respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the blood becomes overly alkaline due to a deficiency in carbonic acid and CO2 levels. This condition usually occurs when too much CO2 is exhaled from the lungs, as is the case with hyperventilation. Altitude-induced hyperventilation at high altitudes is a compensatory mechanism to increase the oxygen supply to the body, and it primarily leads to respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis.