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An abnormally rapid rate of respiration is referred to as__________

1) tachypnea
2) alveoli
3) pleurodynia
4) epistaxis

User Fitz
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The term for abnormally rapid respiration is tachypnea, which is different from hyperpnea or hyperventilation that can affect blood pH. Hence, option (1) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

An abnormally rapid rate of respiration is referred to as tachypnea. Unlike hyperpnea, which is an increased depth and rate of ventilation that meets an increase in oxygen demand, tachypnea specifically refers to a quick and shallow breathing pattern.

Conditions such as hyperventilation can upset the pH balance of the blood, resulting in blood that is too basic (alkaline) when there is excessive breathing unrelated to the body's oxygen needs. Correct pulmonary ventilation is essential to maintain the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance and to keep the body's systems functioning optimally.

Pleurodynia refers to a condition characterized by sharp, spasmodic chest pain caused by inflammation of the tissues around the lungs. Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. It occurs when there is bleeding from the blood vessels in the nasal passages.

User Dennis Alund
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