JBL EMT Practice Exam

What is the most likely respiratory pattern in a young female who is unconscious after intentionally ingesting a large amount of aspirin?

1. Deep and rapid

2. Rapid and shallow

3. Slow and deep

4. Slow and shallow

The correct answer is: Deep and rapid

In the scenario described, a young female who is unconscious after intentionally ingesting a large amount of aspirin is likely experiencing aspirin poisoning, which can lead to respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition characterized by a high pH in the blood due to hyperventilation, leading to decreased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Given this information, the most likely respiratory pattern in this young female would be deep and rapid breathing (choice A). This pattern corresponds to the body's compensation for the alkalosis by increasing the respiratory rate to try to retain carbon dioxide and bring the pH back into balance. Choice B (rapid and shallow) is not the most likely pattern in this case because shallow breathing would not effectively address the alkalosis caused by aspirin poisoning. Choice C (slow and deep) and choice D (slow and shallow) are also unlikely respiratory patterns in this scenario, as they do not align with the typical respiratory response to respiratory alkalosis induced by aspirin ingestion.