Which medication could potentially cause respiratory alkalosis?

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is an increase in blood pH due to hyperventilation, which can happen with various underlying conditions or influences. Salicylates, particularly in the form of aspirin overdose or toxicity, can directly stimulate the respiratory center in the brain, leading to increased respiratory rate and depth. This hyperventilation causes excessive elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2), resulting in a decrease in carbonic acid and thus an increase in blood pH, manifesting as respiratory alkalosis.

In contrast, the other medications listed would not typically lead to respiratory alkalosis. Bronchodilators are primarily used to relieve bronchospasm and may have an indirect positive effect on ventilation without causing significant changes in blood pH. Corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and have various effects on metabolism, but they are not directly responsible for altering respiratory drive to the extent that would cause alkalosis. Diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances and may lead to metabolic alkalosis, but they do not impact respiratory function directly in a way that would induce respiratory alkalosis.