During hyperventilation, which acid-base disturbance is most likely to occur?

During hyperventilation, the most likely acid-base disturbance is respiratory alkalosis. This occurs because hyperventilation leads to an excessive expulsion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. Carbon dioxide is a component of the body's primary buffering system and helps maintain normal pH levels. When CO2 levels drop significantly due to rapid and deep breathing, the equilibrium of carbonic acid and bicarbonate in the blood shifts, resulting in an increase in blood pH.

Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and low partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2). The body attempts to compensate for this alkalosis through various mechanisms, such as renal adjustments, but the initial cause originates from the hyperventilation itself.

Understanding this concept is critical as it highlights the body's sensitivity to CO2 levels and how gas exchange can directly influence acid-base balance, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a balance in respiratory function.