Biochemistry at The Biology Project

Clinical Correlates of pH Levels
Problem Set

Problem 9: Hyperventilation

A 19-year-old male presents to the emergency room with the following blood gases:

Patient's
Value
Normal
Value
pH 7.55 7.35-7.45
pCO2 25 mm Hg 35-45 mm Hg
[HCO3-] 22 mmol/liter 24-28 mmol/liter

His companions report that he was "trying to set the world record for holding his breath underwater", but had fainted after hyperventilating for 15 minutes.

What condition does this patient appear to have?

A. uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
B. uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
C. partially compensated respiratory alkalosis
D. partially compensated metabolic alkalosis

[Problem 8] [Tutorial]

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January 19, 1999
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