Etymed
respiratory alkalosis
Definition
A pathological condition characterized by elevated blood pH (alkaline) due to excessive loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, typically caused by hyperventilation
Clinical context
A 22-year-old medical student presents to the emergency department after experiencing severe anxiety during a difficult exam. She reports feeling lightheaded and tingling in her fingers. Her vital signs show a respiratory rate of 30/min and blood gas analysis reveals a pH of 7.55 with decreased CO2 levels. This patient's condition is caused by hyperventilation leading to excessive CO2 elimination.
Mnemonic
ANXIOUS - Alkalosis from ANXieties, overVENTILATION, and INternal stress