DAANCE Certification 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Hyperventilation is characterized by rapid or deep breathing that can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This change in gas exchange can trigger various physiological responses. One of the most common sensations experienced during hyperventilation is feeling anxious and lightheaded.

As the body expels more carbon dioxide, the reduced levels can cause symptoms such as dizziness, tingling in the fingers and toes, and a sense of anxiety or panic. This is due to the brain's reaction to altered blood chemistry and oxygen levels, which can create a feeling of discomfort and unease.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the physiological effects of hyperventilation. Increased appetite typically does not occur during such episodes, and instead, the body often responds with a flight-or-fight reaction, which usually suppresses appetite. Additionally, hyperventilation generally results in an increased heart rate, not a reduced one, as the body tries to compensate for the changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Normal breathing does not result from hyperventilation; instead, it represents a regulated state contrasting the rapid, uncontrolled breathing during such episodes.