Which condition is characterized by hyperventilation and results in low CO2 levels?

The condition characterized by hyperventilation that results in low carbon dioxide (CO2) levels is respiratory alkalosis. During hyperventilation, the rate and depth of breathing increase significantly. This leads to excessive exhalation of CO2, causing a drop in its concentration in the blood. As CO2 levels decrease, the pH of the blood increases, leading to a state of alkalosis.

Respiratory alkalosis specifically is linked directly to the respiratory system's function. The increased ventilation causes more CO2 to be expelled than normally occurs, thus disrupting the balance of acids and bases in the blood. This occurs in various scenarios such as anxiety attacks, pain, or high-altitude environments, where the body compensates by increasing respiratory rate to take in more oxygen, inadvertently lowering CO2 levels.

The other conditions listed are associated with different mechanisms and imbalances. For instance, metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH due to increased acid production or decreased bicarbonate. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate ventilation, leading to CO2 retention and subsequent acidemia. Metabolic alkalosis results from an excessive loss of acids or an increase in bicarbonate levels, which is not associated with hyperventilation or low CO2