Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the effects of hypoventilation?
A
Hypoventilation can cause respiratory acidosis.
B
Hypoventilation leads to an increase in blood carbon dioxide (CO_2) levels.
C
Hypoventilation may cause a decrease in blood pH.
D
Hypoventilation results in increased oxygen delivery to tissues.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of hypoventilation. Hypoventilation refers to a condition where breathing is slower or shallower than normal, leading to reduced gas exchange in the lungs. This results in an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood.
Step 2: Analyze the effects of increased CO₂ levels in the blood. When CO₂ accumulates, it reacts with water in the blood to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻). This process lowers the blood pH, causing respiratory acidosis.
Step 3: Evaluate the relationship between hypoventilation and oxygen delivery. Hypoventilation reduces the amount of oxygen entering the lungs and subsequently the bloodstream. This means less oxygen is available for delivery to tissues, contradicting the statement that hypoventilation results in increased oxygen delivery.
Step 4: Compare the given statements to the physiological effects of hypoventilation. The first three statements align with the known effects of hypoventilation: respiratory acidosis, increased CO₂ levels, and decreased blood pH. The fourth statement, however, is incorrect because hypoventilation decreases oxygen delivery to tissues.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the statement 'Hypoventilation results in increased oxygen delivery to tissues,' as it is NOT true regarding the effects of hypoventilation.