AEMCA Practice Exam

What is the main result of excessive CO2 exhalation?

1. Decrease in pH

2. Increase in pH

3. Stable pH levels

4. Immediate respiratory failure

The correct answer is: Increase in pH

The primary result of excessive CO2 exhalation is a decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, which leads to an increase in pH, a condition known as respiratory alkalosis. As CO2 levels decrease, the balance of carbonic acid and bicarbonate in the body shifts, causing a rise in pH. This physiological response indicates a state where there is less carbonic acid (formed from CO2 when dissolved in water) in the bloodstream, resulting in a higher pH level. Understanding this process is crucial, as the body's acid-base balance is tightly regulated and significant deviations from normal pH levels can have profound effects on cellular functions and metabolic processes. Other choices related to stable pH or immediate respiratory failure do not accurately describe the direct effects of excessive CO2 elimination. While extreme cases of CO2 loss could potentially lead to complications, they do not represent the immediate consequence of excess CO2 exhalation.