What stimulus causes posthyperventilation apnea (PHVA)?
A)Changes in PaO₂ levels
B)Changes in PaCO₂ levels
C)Damage to the forebrain
D)Any arrhythmic breathing pattern

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With normal breathing, a neural center in the forebrain (cerebrum) produces a rhythmic breathing pattern. When consciousness decreases, lower brainstem centers regulate the breathing pattern by responding only to changes in PaCO₂ levels. This irregular breathing pattern is called PHVA. The breathing pattern is not regulated by changes in PaO₂, damage to the forebrain, or other arrhythmic breathing patterns.

What Stimulus Causes Posthyperventilation Apnea (PHVA)