If someone is experiencing hyperventilation, what happens to the pH of their blood?

When someone is experiencing hyperventilation, they are exhaling carbon dioxide at an increased rate. This rapid loss of CO2 leads to a decrease in the concentration of carbonic acid in the blood, which subsequently causes a shift in the acid-base balance. The reduction of carbonic acid raises the pH level of the blood, resulting in a condition known as respiratory alkalosis. In this state, the blood becomes more alkaline, meaning the pH increases above the normal range.

The correct choice reflects this physiological response, as hyperventilation directly correlates with elevated pH levels and a more alkaline state of the blood. Understanding this concept is essential for recognizing how respiratory changes can lead to alterations in the acid-base balance and influence patient care strategies in emergency situations.