A29-year-old man who lives at the sea level drives up to a high altitude (17,000 feet) for over 3 hours. which of the following statements best describe his condition after the elevation climb?
a. increased arterial po2
b. decreased arterial pco2
c. decreased arterial ph
d. decreased respiratory rate

D. Decreased arterial PCO2

Explanation:

pO2 decreases exponentially with altitude, this leads to an increase in the respiratory rate in an attempt to gain equilibrium, this leads to a decreasing arterial pCO2, this will displace the equilibrium of gases exchanged resulting in a loss of H+ and leading to respiratory alkalosis, an increasing on arterial's pH.

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