Physioex lab 10: acid/base balance

or would this have to do with Ondine's curse? In this disease, autonomic control of breathing is absent so there is no ventilatory response to hypercapnia (increased C02 levels seen in rebreathing). I am just stuck to witch answer is the correct one. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Lab 10, activity 3:

Activity 3: Rebreathing (p. 133)

1. at 20 seconds, pH = about 7.35 at 40 seconds, pH = about 7.3 at 60 seconds, pH = about 7.25

5. Yes, the pH level of the blood decreased over time. No, the pH level was not always within the normal range. The pH value began to dip below the normal range between 20 and 30 seconds — as soon as it was below 7.35. This indicated the condition of acidosis. Yes, the PCO2 level increased over time.

You would expect the renal system to compensate for acidosis by excreting [H+] and retaining bicarbonate in order to raise the blood pH levels back to within normal range. The rebreathing trace had slightly higher peaks and valleys than the normal breathing trace. The tidal volumes were also larger in the rebreathing trace. Respiratory problems that would result in lowered pH values and higher PCO2 levels include lung disease and airway obstruction—anything that impairs breathing.

So sleep apnea would be the correct answer?

During sleep apnea, breathing is restricted, which builds up pressure in your airways. Do your results fit this mechanism?

well PCO2 levels increased and blood pH levels decreased...

Good point, duddy. They should, because oxygen levels are decreasing. The higher the CO2 content, the more acidic blood becomes.