This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Respiratory System Pa 1, Subject name: Physiology
A man is planning to leave Miami (at sea level) and travel to Colorado to climb Mount Wilson (14,500 feet, barometric pressure = 450 mm Hg). Before his trip, he takes acetazolamide. What response would be expected before he makes the trip? 
Select and explain. 
A. Alkalotic blood, B. Normal ventilation, C. Elevated ventilation, D. Normal aerial blood gases
C: Elevated ventilation
Answer: C: Elevated ventilation 
Explanation: Acetazolamide Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitor Forces kidneys to excrete bicarbonate, the base form of CO2. This excretion reacidifies the blood, balancing the effects of the hyperventilation that occurs at altitude in an attempt to get O2. Such reacidification acts as a respiratory stimulant, paicularly at night, reducing the periodic breathing pattern common at altitude. This would increase ventilation, resulting in a | pCO2