Final answer:
Emphysema is not a potential cause of respiratory alkalosis; it typically leads to respiratory acidosis, as it results in an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the following is not a potential cause of respiratory alkalosis:
- hyperventilation due to a panic attack
- traveling to high altitude
- hyperventilation due to anxiety
- emphysema
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a decrease in carbonic acid and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, which often occurs due to hyperventilation. Hyperventilation can be caused by panic attacks, anxiety, or a response to high altitude. However, emphysema is not a cause of respiratory alkalosis; it typically causes respiratory acidosis because it leads to an excess of CO2 in the blood, which makes the blood overly acidic. Thus, the correct answer is d. emphysema.