What potential acid-base condition may result from increased ventilatory drive during VC-CMV?

What potential acid-base condition may result from increased ventilatory drive during VC-CMV?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Respiratory acidosis
• C. Respiratory alkalosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Answer: (C)

Increased ventilatory drive during volume-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation (VC-CMV) can lead to respiratory alkalosis. This condition occurs when a patient is hyperventilating, resulting in the expulsion of excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. CO2 is a significant component of the body's acid-base balance because it combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates to release hydrogen ions, thus contributing to acidity. By hyperventilating and reducing CO2 levels, the buffering capacity of the blood is affected, leading to a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration and an increase in blood pH, which characterizes respiratory alkalosis. In VC-CMV, if the patient has an increased ventilatory rate or depth due to anxiety, pain, or any other stimulating factors, this can heighten the elimination of CO2, precipitating respiratory alkalosis. Understanding this physiological mechanism is crucial for managing patients effectively on mechanical ventilation.

Increased ventilatory drive during volume-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation (VC-CMV) can lead to respiratory alkalosis. This condition occurs when a patient is hyperventilating, resulting in the expulsion of excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. CO2 is a significant component of the body's acid-base balance because it combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates to release hydrogen ions, thus contributing to acidity. By hyperventilating and reducing CO2 levels, the buffering capacity of the blood is affected, leading to a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration and an increase in blood pH, which characterizes respiratory alkalosis.

In VC-CMV, if the patient has an increased ventilatory rate or depth due to anxiety, pain, or any other stimulating factors, this can heighten the elimination of CO2, precipitating respiratory alkalosis. Understanding this physiological mechanism is crucial for managing patients effectively on mechanical ventilation.