Which of the following is NOT a sign of hyperventilation?

Which of the following is NOT a sign of hyperventilation?

• A. Increased rate of breathing
• B. Cold clammy skin
• C. Low blood pressure
• D. Muscle spasms

Answer: (C)

Low blood pressure is not typically associated with hyperventilation. Hyperventilation leads to an excessive loss of carbon dioxide from the body, which can result in respiratory alkalosis. This condition may cause symptoms like lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, and muscle spasms, but it does not directly cause low blood pressure. In contrast, increased rate of breathing is a hallmark sign of hyperventilation, as individuals begin to breathe more rapidly in response to stress or anxiety. Cold clammy skin can occur due to the body's reaction to panic or a stress response, which is often accompanying hyperventilation. Similarly, muscle spasms can result from the electrolyte imbalances caused by the rapid changes in carbon dioxide levels during hyperventilation. Understanding these signs helps differentiate between physiological responses to various conditions in aerospace physiology.

Low blood pressure is not typically associated with hyperventilation. Hyperventilation leads to an excessive loss of carbon dioxide from the body, which can result in respiratory alkalosis. This condition may cause symptoms like lightheadedness, tingling in the extremities, and muscle spasms, but it does not directly cause low blood pressure.

In contrast, increased rate of breathing is a hallmark sign of hyperventilation, as individuals begin to breathe more rapidly in response to stress or anxiety. Cold clammy skin can occur due to the body's reaction to panic or a stress response, which is often accompanying hyperventilation. Similarly, muscle spasms can result from the electrolyte imbalances caused by the rapid changes in carbon dioxide levels during hyperventilation. Understanding these signs helps differentiate between physiological responses to various conditions in aerospace physiology.