In respiratory acidosis, which changes would be observed in the listed analytes?

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Multiple Choice

In respiratory acidosis, which changes would be observed in the listed analytes?

In respiratory acidosis, CO2 builds up in the blood because ventilation is inadequate. That excess CO2 forms carbonic acid, increasing hydrogen ions and lowering pH. The body compensates over time by retaining more bicarbonate (HCO3−) in the kidneys, but the immediate diagnostic clue is the rise in CO2. A notable accompanying change is in chloride. As bicarbonate increases and moves between compartments to help restore electroneutrality, chloride shifts in opposite direction to maintain charge balance—driving plasma chloride downward. So the typical pattern is elevated CO2 with decreased chloride, matching the observed combination.

In respiratory acidosis, CO2 builds up in the blood because ventilation is inadequate. That excess CO2 forms carbonic acid, increasing hydrogen ions and lowering pH. The body compensates over time by retaining more bicarbonate (HCO3−) in the kidneys, but the immediate diagnostic clue is the rise in CO2.

A notable accompanying change is in chloride. As bicarbonate increases and moves between compartments to help restore electroneutrality, chloride shifts in opposite direction to maintain charge balance—driving plasma chloride downward. So the typical pattern is elevated CO2 with decreased chloride, matching the observed combination.

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