Final answer:
During hyperventilation, one would expect to see an increase in the PO₂ of arterial blood due to excessive breathing out of carbon dioxide, which in turn leads to decreased PCO₂, increased blood pH, and a decrease in bicarbonate concentration in the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
During hyperventilation, one would expect to see an increase in the PO₂ of arterial blood (a). When a person hyperventilates, they breathe out too much carbon dioxide. This causes the level of carbon dioxide in the blood to drop (hypocapnia), leading to an increase in blood pH (making the blood more alkaline), as well as a decrease in the concentration of hydrogen ions and bicarbonate in the blood. As a result of the low CO₂ levels, hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen decreases, and more oxygen remains in the bloodstream, increasing the PO₂.
Hyperventilation is associated with symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness, which result from the changes in blood chemistry. Specifically, hyperventilation results in a decreased PCO₂ of arterial blood (b), an increase in arterial blood pH (reflecting alkalinity rather than acidity), and a decrease in the bicarbonate concentration of arterial blood (d). The pH of arterial blood is not decreased but is increased (e).