Nancy is experiencing an acute panic attack.While hyperventilating,she remembers to open a paper bag and breathe into it.What is Nancy trying to prevent?
A) respiratory acidosis
B) metabolic acidosis
C) respiratory alkalosis
D) metabolic alkalosis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nancy is trying to prevent respiratory alkalosis, which can occur as a result of hyperventilation during a panic attack. Breathing into a paper bag helps increase the carbon dioxide levels in her bloodstream, which counteracts the excessive elimination of carbon dioxide from hyperventilation and can help restore a more normal blood pH. Respiratory acidosis (A) and metabolic acidosis (B) occur when there is too much acid in the blood, while metabolic alkalosis (D) occurs when there is too much base in the blood.

Nancy Is Experiencing an Acute Panic Attack