NREMT Paramedic Practice

In cases of respiratory imbalance, which physical sign may indicate Respiratory Alkalosis?

1. Hypopitaemia

2. Bradycardia

3. Raised pH level

4. Increased peripheral edema

The correct answer is: Raised pH level

A raised pH level is a significant indicator of respiratory alkalosis. This condition occurs when there is an increase in the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood due to hyperventilation, which leads to excessively low levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and an increase in the blood's pH level (making it more alkaline). In respiratory alkalosis, the body is expelling CO2 at a greater rate than it can be produced, which disrupts the normal acid-base balance. The increasing pH level signifies that the blood is becoming more basic, which aligns directly with the characteristics of respiratory alkalosis. The other options do not directly signify respiratory alkalosis. Hypopitaemia refers to low levels of potassium, bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate which does not correlate specifically to this condition, and increased peripheral edema typically indicates fluid overload or heart failure rather than an acid-base imbalance.