Questions About the Respiratory System Related

Review Questions About the Respiratory System related questions and content

A male adult patient hospitalized for treatment of a pulmonary embolism develops respiratory alkalosis. Which clinical findings commonly accompany respiratory alkalosis?

  • A. Nausea or vomiting
  • B. Abdominal pain or diarrhea
  • C. Hallucinations or tinnitus
  • D. Lightheadedness or paresthesia
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lightheadedness or paresthesia. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels and an increase in pH. This can result in symptoms such as lightheadedness (from decreased cerebral blood flow) and paresthesia (tingling sensations due to changes in calcium ionization). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are more commonly seen in metabolic alkalosis, while hallucinations and tinnitus are not typical symptoms of respiratory alkalosis.