Question

Acute respiratory failure is commonly signaled by varying degrees of hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Which physiologic findings are considered a direct result of respiratory acidosis that develops as a result of hypercapnia?

Answer 1

Answer:

The decreased pH level below 7.39 and an increase partial pressure of Carbon dioxide above 45 mm Hg. is considered as a direct result of respiratory acidosis caused by hypercapnia.

Explanation:

• Hypercapnia is a condition in which carbon dioxide levels in blood are elevated than the normal.
• This results when amount of carbon dioxide exhaled is less than the amount of carbon dioxide produced in the body tissues.
• Accumulation of Carbon dioxide in the blood results in formation of carbonic acid and lowers the pH of the blood making it too acidic.
• This condition is known as acidosis.
• The increased amount of carbon dioxide in the tissues results in increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂).
• Thus , increased  pCO₂ and lowered pH are physiolgic findings that are considered as direct result of respiratory acidosis.