When a Person Hyperventilates, They Breathe Very Quickly, Exhaling CO₂

question 80

Multiple Choice

When a person hyperventilates, they breathe very quickly, exhaling CO₂ more quickly than it can be produced. This reduces the concentration of CO₂ in the blood. According to the chemical equation below and LeChatelier's principle, how is the bicarbonate equilibrium affected by the reduction of CO₂ in the blood?

• A) The equilibrium is unchanged.
• B) More H₃O⁺ is produced.
• C) The equilibrium is shifted to the right.
• D) The H₃O⁺ concentration decreases.
• E) More HCO₃ ^ is produced.

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Definitions:

Humor

A quality of being amusing or entertaining, often expressed through jokes, comedy, or playful behavior.

Catastrophic Thinking

An irrational thought pattern where one assumes the worst possible outcome will occur, often seen in anxiety and depression.

Rational Analysis

The process of evaluating problems and making decisions based on logical reasoning and factual evidence.

Catastrophic Thinking

The irrational belief that something is far worse than it actually is, which can increase anxiety and worsen decision-making.