How is respiratory acidosis defined?

Respiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when the lungs cannot remove all of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the body. This buildup of CO2 leads to an increase in carbonic acid in the blood, which in turn causes a decrease in blood pH, resulting in an acidic environment.

In respiratory acidosis, the key parameters observed are a decreased pH, indicating acidosis, and an increased pCO2, reflecting the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood due to inadequate ventilation or respiratory function. Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or respiratory failure can lead to this situation, as they impair the lungs’ ability to exhale carbon dioxide effectively.

The other options do not align with the physiological changes that occur during respiratory acidosis. For example, increased pH indicates an alkaline condition, which does not occur in acidosis, and decreased pCO2 suggests effective CO2 elimination, contrary to what happens in respiratory acidosis. Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurately diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions.