Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What signifies uncompensated respiratory alkalosis in terms of bicarbonate levels?

1. Increased bicarbonate

2. Decreased bicarbonate

3. Normal bicarbonate

4. Variable bicarbonate

The correct answer is: Normal bicarbonate

Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a primary respiratory disturbance leading to increased pH (alkalosis) due to decreased carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia). In this scenario, the bicarbonate levels are not altered significantly by metabolic compensation since the condition is uncompensated. Therefore, the bicarbonate level remains normal, reflecting that the metabolic system has not yet had time to adjust in response to the respiratory disturbance. In uncompensated states, the body has not fully adapted to the change, so the bicarbonate remains at its baseline level without any significant increase or decrease. It's important to note that while compensatory mechanisms may later lead to changes in bicarbonate levels if the respiratory alkalosis persists, at the time of assessment for an uncompensated state, the bicarbonate levels should be normal.