Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a consequence of carbon dioxide deficiency?

1. Respiratory acidosis

2. Hypercapnia

3. Hypoxia

4. Increased heart rate

The correct answer is: Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an excess accumulation of carbon dioxide in the body, leading to a decrease in blood pH. This condition is typically associated with hypercapnia, which refers to an elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Conversely, a deficiency of carbon dioxide would not cause respiratory acidosis; rather, it could lead to alkalosis because there is insufficient carbon dioxide available to maintain the appropriate acid-base balance. Hypercapnia, hypoxia, and increased heart rate can all be responses associated with various states of carbon dioxide levels in the body. Hypercapnia is directly related to elevated levels of carbon dioxide, while hypoxia refers to a deficiency in oxygen. Increased heart rate can occur as a compensatory mechanism in various conditions, including states where oxygen delivery is inadequate. However, none of these conditions result from carbon dioxide deficiency, as they relate more closely to alterations in oxygenation or an excess of carbon dioxide. Thus, the option indicating respiratory acidosis stands out as the only consequence that is not linked to a deficiency of carbon dioxide, as it is instead a direct result of elevated carbon dioxide levels.