In respiratory alkalosis, a person hyperventilates. Consequently, more carbon dioxide is expelled than usual. How does the following chemical equation explain the change in the blood pH during hyperventilation?
H⁺ + HCO₃⁻ ⇌ H₂CO₃ ⇌ H₂O + CO₂

• A. There is no direct connection between the shown equilibrium and the blood pH.
• B. As more CO₂ is expelled than usual, the reactant concentrations will increase in favor of the forward reaction and formation of CO₂, H⁺ concentration increases, and blood pH decreases.
• C. As more CO₂ is expelled than usual, the reactant concentrations will decrease in favor of the forward reaction and formation of CO₂, H⁺ concentration decreases, and blood pH decreases.
• D. As more CO₂ is expelled than usual, the reactant concentrations will decrease in favor of the forward reaction and formation of CO₂, H⁺ concentration decreases, and blood pH increases.

Answer: (D)