Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

Acute hyperventilation syndrome is often characterized by which of the following symptoms?

1. Severe dehydration

2. Extreme fatigue

3. Panic verbalization

4. Loss of consciousness

The correct answer is: Panic verbalization

Acute hyperventilation syndrome is often associated with panic or anxiety responses, leading individuals to express themselves verbally as they experience distress. This vocalization, or panic verbalization, can manifest as rapid speech, expressions of fear, or complaints related to the sensations they are feeling due to the hyperventilation. The condition typically arises when an individual breathes excessively, often driven by anxiety, which can result in symptoms such as dizziness, tingling in the extremities, and a sense of impending doom. While severe dehydration, extreme fatigue, and loss of consciousness can occur due to various health conditions, they are not characteristic indicators of acute hyperventilation syndrome. In contrast, panic verbalization is directly linked to the anxiety and distress that often accompany this syndrome, making it the distinguishing symptom in this context.