Respiratory Acidosis

• What is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis?

  Conditions that depress ventilation
• What leads to hypoventilation in respiratory acidosis?

  Shallow respirations and low respiratory rate
• How does decreased respiratory rate affect CO₂ levels?

  It increases CO₂ retention
• What is hypercapnia?

  Increased CO₂ levels in the blood
• What happens when CO₂ combines with H₂O?

  It forms carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)
• What does carbonic acid dissociate into?

  H⁺ (acid) and HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate)
• How does increased H⁺ affect pH?

  It decreases pH, leading to acidosis
• What is the compensatory response of the kidneys in respiratory acidosis?

  They retain HCO₃⁻ to buffer excess acid
• What do the kidneys increase to restore pH balance?

  H⁺ excretion in urine
• What is the key equation for the bicarbonate buffer system?

  • CO₂ + H₂O ↔ H₂CO₃ ↔ H⁺ + HCO₃⁻
• What are common lung diseases that can cause respiratory acidosis?

  COPD, pneumonia, asthma, pulmonary edema
• What CNS conditions can lead to respiratory acidosis?

  Drug overdose, head injury, anesthesia
• Which neuromuscular disorders are associated with respiratory acidosis?

  Myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome
• What lab findings indicate respiratory acidosis?

  ↓ pH, ↑ CO₂, ↑ HCO₃⁻ (if compensated)
• What is the treatment for respiratory acidosis?

  Improve ventilation and treat underlying cause
• What is a method to improve ventilation in respiratory acidosis?

  Oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation