Hyperventilation

Question 1

What occurs during hyperventilation?

Answer 1

Increased rate or depth of respiration beyond metabolic need

Hyperventilation leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels.

Question 2

What is the result of hyperventilation?

Answer 2

Alkalosis

This occurs due to a rise in pH level as carbon dioxide levels drop.

Question 3

What symptoms are associated with respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 3

Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, chest pain, carpopedal spasm

These symptoms result from changes in blood chemistry.

Question 4

What traditional therapy is used for hyperventilation?

Answer 4

Rebreathing carbon dioxide from a paper bag or partial rebreathing mask set at 21% oxygen

This method is considered dangerous.

Question 5

Why is rebreathing carbon dioxide dangerous?

Answer 5

Patients quickly exhaust oxygen and can cause hypoxia

Hypoxia occurs when there is insufficient oxygen in the body.

Question 6

What might hyperventilation in a patient with acidosis represent?

Answer 6

The body’s attempt to drive the pH level back up to normal

This is a compensatory mechanism in response to excess acid.

Question 7

What conditions can produce acidosis and compensatory hyperventilation?

Answer 7

Overdoses, toxic exposures, metabolic abnormalities, shock, sepsis

These conditions require careful management and should not be treated by rebreathing carbon dioxide.

Question 8

What are some support techniques for managing hyperventilation?

Answer 8

• Helping the patient understand behavior triggers
• Breathing with the patient
• Having the patient count between breaths
• Distracting the person

These techniques can help reduce hyperventilation episodes.