Science Clinic > Biology

A chemistry student accidentally spills chlorine bleach into a dilute acid. The mixture reacts and ...

(1/1)

jazziefee:
A chemistry student accidentally spills chlorine bleach into a dilute acid. The mixture reacts and produces fumes that are inhaled by the student and that reduce his ventilation. Assume that the gaseous chemical produced is a base (i.e., it releases OH- in an aqueous solution), and that the chemical is absorbed into the bloodstream at the alveoli. Explain why ventilation is reduced in the patient.

Briannahope:
The physiological response is opposite that for acidosis. A decreased ventilation would reduce loss of CO2. By maintaining higher PCO2 in the blood, the resulting acidity would help to counteract the alkalinity resulting from the inhalation of a base.

emypinedaa:
Thank you!

Navigation

[0] Message Index