Which of the following is a common cause of respiratory alkalosis in neonates?

Hyperventilation is a common cause of respiratory alkalosis in neonates because it leads to an increased rate of carbon dioxide (CO2) elimination from the body. When a neonate hyperventilates, they breathe rapidly or deeply, which can cause a decrease in blood CO2 levels. This drop in carbon dioxide results in a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration, leading to an increase in blood pH, which is characteristic of respiratory alkalosis.

In neonates, hyperventilation can occur due to various stimuli, such as hypoxia, pain, or anxiety, and is often seen in conditions where the neonate is trying to compensate for respiratory distress or other underlying conditions. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for neonates, as it aids in the assessment and management of respiratory conditions in the neonatal intensive care setting.