Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

Which of the following is a primary feature of respiratory alkalosis?

1. Decreased pH

2. Increased CO2

3. Increased respiratory rate

4. Increased bicarbonate production

The correct answer is: Increased respiratory rate

A primary feature of respiratory alkalosis is an increased respiratory rate, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood. When a person hyperventilates, they exhale CO2 at a rate faster than it is produced by the body's metabolism. This reduction in CO2 results in an increase in blood pH, creating an alkaline state. In the context of this condition, while bicarbonate levels can change as the body tries to compensate, the hallmark of respiratory alkalosis primarily stems from the change in CO2 due to hyperventilation rather than bicarbonate elevation. Decreased pH is associated with acidosis, not alkalosis, and increased CO2 would indicate respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis. Therefore, the increased respiratory rate is central to the development of respiratory alkalosis.