Question

What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis?

1) Severe dyspnea with signs suggestive of respiratory muscle fatigue, increased WOB, use of accessory muscles, paradoxical breathing, and retractions
2) Persistent hypoxemia despite supplemental oxygen therapy
3) PaCO₂ greater than 45 mmHg and pH less than 7.35
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis include severe dyspnea, persistent hypoxemia, and abnormal arterial blood gas readings with high CO2 levels and low pH. Diagnosis involves analyzing pH, PaCO2, and bicarbonate levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Respiratory acidosis is a condition associated with an excess of carbonic acid in the blood, resulting primarily from high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2). The signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis include:

• Severe dyspnea with signs suggestive of respiratory muscle fatigue, increased work of breathing (WOB), use of accessory muscles, paradoxical breathing, and retractions.
• Persistent hypoxemia despite supplemental oxygen therapy.
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) results with a partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) greater than 45 mmHg and a pH less than 7.35, indicating respiratory acidosis.

When confirming a diagnosis of respiratory acidosis, lab tests for pH, PaCO2, and bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels are critical. Initially, bicarbonate levels may be normal, but compensatory mechanisms may increase them to reestablish the proper acid-base balance.