Recall that Bertha is an Indigenous elder who was recovering from abdominal surgery.
She has been working with physiotherapists to ensure that she does not lose strength before being discharged from hospital. Today she has a session with the physiotherapists.
Before taking Bertha to the gym, a set of vital signs were collected before she gets out of bed. Results are: RR 14 bpm, SpO2 98%, BP 130/70 mmHg, HR 74 bpm. The nurse tells the physios that Bertha is well and has no cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.
The physios take her to the gym, where she undertook some exercises under their direction.
After the first round of exercises, they check her vital signs again.
Her respiratory rate is now 20 bpm, SpO2 is 100%, BP is 140/80 mmHg, and HR is 90 bpm. She is observed to be breathing deeply and using accessory muscles.
1. Explain the physiological mechanisms which have caused Bertha's respiratory rate to change during exercise (suggested 350 words)
2. Would you expect Bertha's arterial pH levels to change during her exercise? Explain why or why not? (suggested 150 words)