The Role of Probability. Basic Concepts of Probability. A probability is a number that reflects the chance or likelihood that a particular event will occur. Probabilities can be expressed as proportions that range from 0 to 1, and they can also be expressed as percentages ranging from 0% to 100%.
Thus, when people hypoventilate (i.e. causing an increase in CO2) this causes the pH in your blood to decrease, making it more acidic. (and when hyperventilation occurs, O2 is increased, which causes an increase in pH - making blood more basic).
Therefore, they may have clinical manifestations of hypoxemia, such as cyanosis, and they also may have signs related to their hypercapnia. Other symptoms of worsening hypoventilation can include the progression of anxiety to delirium. In addition, patients can become increasingly confused, somnolent, and obtunded.