Hypothermia causes all of the following except for which one?

Hypothermia leads to a series of physiological changes, particularly affecting the body's ability to transport and utilize oxygen. When body temperature drops, several effects on hemoglobin and oxygen delivery occur.

When considering the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, hypothermia results in a left shift of the oxygen hemoglobin dissociation curve. This left shift indicates an increased affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, which makes it more difficult for oxygen to be released to the tissues. Consequently, in the condition of hypothermia, the increased affinity for oxygen is a notable characteristic rather than an exception.

Additionally, hypothermia does decrease the metabolic rate, leading to less oxygen consumption by the tissues. This decrease in metabolism corresponds with reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) production, thus lowering the partial pressure of CO2 in the blood.

Given this context, the statement regarding the increased affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, associated with the physiologic response to hypothermia, is consistent and represents a true effect of lowered body temperature. Therefore, when asked to identify what hypothermia does not cause, increased affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen aligns with true physiological outcomes, while the other options reflect real changes prompted by low temperatures.