Which symptom supports a hyperventilation syndrome diagnosis?

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Multiple Choice

Which symptom supports a hyperventilation syndrome diagnosis?

Explanation:
Rapid, deep breathing lowers arterial CO2, causing respiratory alkalosis. This alkaline shift makes nerves more irritable and reduces ionized calcium, leading to numbness and tingling around the lips. That perioral tingling is a classic sign of hyperventilation syndrome. The other options don’t fit as well: hypotension isn’t typical in this condition, hypoxemia points to inadequate oxygenation, and chest wall trauma indicates a physical injury rather than a breathing-pattern disorder.

Rapid, deep breathing lowers arterial CO2, causing respiratory alkalosis. This alkaline shift makes nerves more irritable and reduces ionized calcium, leading to numbness and tingling around the lips. That perioral tingling is a classic sign of hyperventilation syndrome. The other options don’t fit as well: hypotension isn’t typical in this condition, hypoxemia points to inadequate oxygenation, and chest wall trauma indicates a physical injury rather than a breathing-pattern disorder.

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