What kind of symptoms can hypercapnia produce?

Hypercapnia, which refers to an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream, can have several significant physiological effects. When CO2 levels rise, it leads to a decrease in blood pH, causing respiratory acidosis. This change can trigger a range of neurological and physiological symptoms.

The option that includes loss of consciousness and convulsions is particularly pertinent because severe hypercapnia can lead to increased intracranial pressure and reduced oxygen delivery to the brain. This can result in altered mental status, ranging from confusion to complete loss of consciousness. In extreme cases, it can also provoke convulsions due to the brain's heightened sensitivity to CO2 levels and subsequent oxygen deprivation.

Understanding the severe implications of hypercapnia is crucial for recognizing its potential dangers, especially in environments like diving, where the body is exposed to greater pressures and variations in gas composition.