Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

If a patient has a pH of 7.50, what physiologic response would you expect?

1. Increased respirations

2. Decreased respirations

3. Elevated heart rate

4. Lower blood pressure

The correct answer is: Decreased respirations

A pH of 7.50 indicates a state of alkalosis, which is a condition where the blood is less acidic than normal. In response to alkalosis, the body attempts to restore a normal pH by decreasing respiratory rate, as slower breathing retains carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body. The buildup of CO2 can produce carbonic acid, which helps to lower the pH back toward normal levels. This physiological response is a compensatory mechanism to help counteract the alkaline state. In contrast, other possible options like increased heart rate or lower blood pressure are not the primary responses the body uses to address alkalosis. Although an elevated heart rate can occur due to various stressors or medical conditions, it is not specifically a direct response to a high pH. Similarly, blood pressure may not have a direct correlation to pH adjustment and would be influenced more by a range of other factors, including hydration status and autonomic nervous system activity.