A patient with severe hypoventilation has an arterial blood gas showing increased PaCO2 and decreased pH. How should the nurse interpret this finding?
Correct answer: C. Respiratory acidosis
- A. Respiratory alkalosis
- B. Metabolic alkalosis
- C. Respiratory acidosis
- D. Metabolic acidosis
Explanation
Hypoventilation causes carbon dioxide retention, and carbon dioxide combines with water to increase carbonic acid. The resulting low pH with raised PaCO2 indicates respiratory acidosis.
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About Respiratory System
The respiratory system includes the air passages, lungs, pleura, alveoli and the mechanics of breathing. It explains pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, regulation of breathing, and the difference between external respiration in the lungs and internal respiration in body tissues.
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