Question

You are checking a person experiencing a breathing emergency and notice that the person is breathing quite rapidly. The person tells you that it feels like they cannot get enough air. You suspect which of the following?
A. Respiratory distress
B. Emphysema
C. Vomiting
D. Hyperventilation

Answer 1

Answer: D - Hyperventilation.

Explanation: Hyperventilation is breathing in excess or overbreathing more than what the body needs.

Fast and deep breathing occurs when one's rate of breathing removes more carbon dioxide than the body can produce. This can change what is in the blood due to the reduction in the concentration of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood which can cause the blood pH to rise, leading to respiratory alkalosis.

Some conditions which can bring about hyperventilation include Anxiety disorder, Panicattack, Asthma,Stress, effect of drugs, head injury etc.