Explain how breath holding and hyperventilation may affect blood acid-base status?

Answer 1

When a person holds their breath, carbon dioxide (a by product of normal cell metabolism) builds up in the blood. There is an enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, that speeds up the combination of carbon dioxide and water (from the blood plasma) into carbonic acid. This weak acid readily dissociates in water (i.e., the blood plasma) into bicarbonate and hydrogen ion. Since pH is defined as the negative log of the hydrogen ion concentration ion, as H+ increases, the pH decreases.
The opposite reaction occurs during hyperventilation. Hyperventilation is defined as an increase in the amount of fresh air in the alveoli per unit time. While very little extra oxygen is taken in (because the blood is approximately 98% saturated with oxygen during normal breathing), much more carbon dioxide is blown off than usual. Thus, the equation is driven in the opposite direction, and H+ ions are removed from the blood, causing an increase in the pH.

Answer 2

A hundred and fifty years ago many churches had a rationale to explain racial differences. Some of these myths adopted by individual Mormons, and taught as doctrine. There was no true basis in scripture for this. These excuses do not apply and never applied. What I find remarkable is how the hand of the Lord was upon the Church to bring about change. The Church endorsed civil rights in the 1960s. The Prophet with the full support of the Quorum of the Twelve extended the Priesthood and temple blessing to all members. Why not sooner is the real question. The only answer I have heard was that we were not ready. Heavenly Father had a time table. When we, the members, were prepared to to live a higher law, it was given to us.

Answer 3

When a person hyperventilate it causes the person to have respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation causes increased CO2 excretion. Leading to decreased carbonic acid and result in alkalosis.
When the person hold their breath they develop respiratory acidosis. CO2 is retained when you hypoventilate , the carbonic acid accumulates in the blood causing H to be released bringing down blood pH.

Answer 4

The easiest way to think of it is to remember that CO2 is an acid, so if you have extra CO2 (hypoventilation), you'll be acidotic, and vice-versa.

That doesn't give you the reason why, but it can help you remember which way the pH goes without having to think too hard about it.

Answer 5

Both kingston and kt are right