How does respiratory alkalosis affect bicarbonate ion concentration?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the physiological effects of respiratory alkalosis specifically regarding the bicarbonate ion concentration in the body. It suggests several potential outcomes and asks which one is correct based on the understanding of respiratory alkalosis.
Answer
Respiratory alkalosis causes a decrease in bicarbonate ion concentration.
The final answer is that respiratory alkalosis causes a decrease in bicarbonate ion concentration.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that respiratory alkalosis causes a decrease in bicarbonate ion concentration.
More Information
In chronic respiratory alkalosis, kidneys decrease hydrogen ion (H+) secretion, which then decreases serum bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentration. This compensatory mechanism gradually develops, and plasma bicarbonate typically falls by 4 mEq/L for each 10 mm Hg decrease in PaCO2.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume that bicarbonate levels immediately react to changes in CO2 levels; it actually takes 2-3 days for full metabolic compensation.
Sources
- Respiratory Alkalosis - Merck Manual Professional Edition - merckmanuals.com
- Respiratory Alkalosis - ScienceDirect - sciencedirect.com
- Respiratory Alkalosis: Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology - eMedicine - emedicine.medscape.com
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