Question

when one moves to a high altitude, which of the following conditions happens before acclimatization?
a.) respiratory acidosis
b.) metabolic acidosis
c.) metabolic alkalosis
d.) respiratory alkalosis

Explanation:

When moving to high altitude, the body initially hyperventilates (breathes faster) due to lower oxygen levels. Hyperventilation causes excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide ($CO_2$). Since $CO_2$ combines with water ($H_2O$) in the blood to form carbonic acid ($H_2CO_3$), less $CO_2$ means less carbonic acid. This leads to an increase in blood pH (more alkaline), which is respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory acidosis (a) is due to excess $CO_2$ (opposite of high - altitude initial response). Metabolic acidosis (b) is related to non - respiratory causes like lactic acid build - up (not the first response to altitude). Metabolic alkalosis (c) is due to non - respiratory causes like excessive bicarbonate retention (not altitude - related initial response).

Answer:

d. Respiratory alkalosis