Which condition is NOT a cause of respiratory alkalosis?

The correct answer identifies a condition that does not typically result in respiratory alkalosis, which is characterized by a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels due to an increase in ventilation.

In the case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, patients often experience respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis. This occurs because the primary issue in COPD is the inability to effectively exchange gases, leading to CO2 retention. During an exacerbation, air trapping and exacerbated airway obstruction worsen this situation, causing elevated levels of CO2 in the blood, which results in acidosis.

On the other hand, conditions such as hypoxia with compensated hyperventilation can lead to respiratory alkalosis as the body attempts to increase oxygenation by hyperventilating, which causes a loss of CO2. Similarly, metabolic problems can lead to an increased breathing rate as a compensatory mechanism, which may also enhance the risk of respiratory alkalosis. Pneumonia might cause a variety of respiratory disturbances, but depending on the severity and the individual’s response, it might also lead to hyperventilation and thus respiratory alkalosis, particularly in early or mild cases.

In summary, COPD exacerbation is linked to respiratory acidosis due to CO