NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with Respiratory Alkalosis?

1. Muscle weakness

2. Tachycardia

3. Hypokalemia

4. Light-headedness

The correct answer is: Muscle weakness

Muscle weakness is not a typical symptom associated with respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, affected individuals may experience symptoms linked to the physiological effects of hyperventilation, which commonly includes light-headedness due to decreased carbon dioxide levels leading to reduced cerebral perfusion. Tachycardia can also occur as the body responds to decreased blood pH, and hypokalemia may develop due to the shifting of potassium ions in the body during states of alkalosis, often exacerbated by compensatory mechanisms. In contrast, muscle weakness tends to be more closely related to metabolic disturbances or prolonged hypoxia rather than the primary effects of hyperventilation leading to respiratory alkalosis. Understanding these associations helps in recognizing the physiological changes that occur during respiratory alkalosis and how they manifest clinically.