Respiratory System Exam Questions Related

Review Respiratory System Exam Questions related questions and content

An increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the blood will result in a(n):

  • A. decrease in the rate of breathing.
  • B. increase of the respiratory rate.
  • C. decrease of pulmonary ventilation.
  • D. decrease of the alveolar ventilation rate.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: an increase of the respiratory rate. When carbon dioxide levels rise in the blood, it triggers the body to increase the rate of breathing to eliminate excess carbon dioxide through exhalation. This is known as the respiratory drive, controlled by the respiratory centers in the brainstem. Increasing the respiratory rate helps to restore the balance of gases in the blood.

Incorrect Choices:
A: Decrease in the rate of breathing - This is incorrect because high levels of carbon dioxide would stimulate an increase in breathing rate, not a decrease.
C: Decrease of pulmonary ventilation - This is incorrect as an increase in carbon dioxide would typically lead to an increase, not a decrease, in pulmonary ventilation.
D: Decrease of the alveolar ventilation rate - This is incorrect because an increase in carbon dioxide would prompt an increase in alveolar ventilation to remove excess carbon dioxide from the blood.