NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which of the following symptoms would you expect in a patient with Respiratory Alkalosis?

1. Nausea

2. Hyperkalemia

3. Dizziness

4. Both A and C

The correct answer is: Both A and C

In a patient with respiratory alkalosis, hyperventilation causes excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to a decrease in carbonic acid levels and consequently increasing the blood's pH. This shift in pH can manifest several symptoms. Dizziness is a common symptom associated with respiratory alkalosis due to decreased cerebral perfusion as a result of vasoconstriction, which occurs in response to lower carbon dioxide levels. As CO2 levels drop, the body's compensatory mechanisms may not fully counteract the rapid change, leading to feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. Nausea can also occur in respiratory alkalosis. The physiological changes associated with elevated pH levels may disrupt normal gastrointestinal function, contributing to feelings of nausea. Unease in the stomach can be a reflection of the body's attempt to restore balance and could also relate to changes in electrolyte composition during the acute phase. By choosing the option that includes both nausea and dizziness, one acknowledges that respiratory alkalosis can present with multiple symptoms related to its physiological effects. Therefore, recognizing that dizziness and nausea can occur in tandem provides a more comprehensive understanding of the clinical presentation associated with this condition.