Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

14. The Autonomic Nervous System

Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

14. The Autonomic Nervous System

Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

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Multiple Choice

As status asthmaticus worsens, which acid-base imbalance is most likely to develop?

Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Metabolic acidosis

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the condition: Status asthmaticus is a severe, prolonged asthma attack that leads to difficulty in breathing and impaired gas exchange. This condition can cause changes in blood pH due to altered levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Review the role of CO₂ in acid-base balance: CO₂ is a byproduct of cellular respiration and is transported in the blood. When CO₂ levels increase, it combines with water (H₂O) to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻). This process lowers blood pH, leading to acidosis.

Analyze the progression of status asthmaticus: As the condition worsens, airway obstruction becomes more severe, leading to hypoventilation (reduced breathing). Hypoventilation causes CO₂ to accumulate in the blood, increasing the risk of respiratory acidosis.

Differentiate between the options: Respiratory acidosis is caused by CO₂ retention due to hypoventilation. Respiratory alkalosis occurs with hyperventilation (excessive breathing). Metabolic alkalosis and metabolic acidosis are related to changes in bicarbonate levels or other metabolic factors, not directly linked to CO₂ retention in this scenario.

Conclude the most likely imbalance: Based on the pathophysiology of status asthmaticus and the role of CO₂ in acid-base balance, respiratory acidosis is the most likely acid-base imbalance to develop as the condition worsens.