Final Answer:
Hypercapnic (Type II) respiratory failure is synonymous with ventilatory failure. Thus, the correct answer is d. ventilatory failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypercapnic respiratory failure, categorized as Type II, occurs when the lungs cannot adequately eliminate carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the body. This condition is often associated with ventilatory failure, where the respiratory system fails to effectively remove CO2 due to insufficient ventilation.
In Type II respiratory failure, the primary issue lies in the inability to eliminate CO2 rather than a lack of oxygen exchange, which is characteristic of Type I respiratory failure. Ventilatory failure encompasses various causes, including neuromuscular diseases, airway obstruction, or diseases affecting the chest wall, all of which contribute to ineffective breathing and inadequate CO2 removal.
While terms like V/Q mismatching, shunt, and diffusion impairment are associated with respiratory complications, they are not synonymous with hypercapnic respiratory failure. V/Q mismatching refers to imbalances in ventilation and perfusion in the lungs, while a shunt refers to blood bypassing areas of the lungs without participating in gas exchange. Diffusion impairment involves issues with gas exchange at the alveolar-capillary membrane.
Understanding the distinction between these terms is critical in diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions. In the context of hypercapnic respiratory failure, the term "ventilatory failure" precisely encapsulates the inability of the respiratory system to adequately eliminate carbon dioxide, highlighting its synonymy with Type II respiratory failure.
Thus, the correct answer is d. ventilatory failure.