Hypoventilation can result from which of the following?

• A. Suffocation
• B. Excessive oxygen intake
• C. Exercise
• D. Frequent coughing

Answer: (A)

Hypoventilation occurs when there is insufficient ventilation to meet the metabolic demands of the body, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels and a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. Suffocation is a direct and critical cause of hypoventilation because it involves an obstruction of the airway that prevents adequate airflow into the lungs. This lack of air intake significantly decreases the oxygen available for gas exchange, resulting in respiratory failure and hypoventilation.

In contrast, excessive oxygen intake does not typically result in hypoventilation; rather, it can lead to hyperoxia and potentially depress respiratory drive under certain circumstances. Exercise generally stimulates increased ventilation to meet heightened metabolic demands and does not cause hypoventilation. Frequent coughing may temporarily affect breathing patterns but does not inherently result in a sustained reduction in ventilation; it is often a compensatory mechanism to clear airways. Thus, among the options provided, suffocation is the most accurate cause of hypoventilation.