Final answer:
Hypoventilation leads to respiratory acidosis, characterized by an accumulation of carbon dioxide and a reduction in blood pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypoventilation results in respiratory acidosis, which is a condition wherein an excess of carbonic acid or CO2 causes the blood to be overly acidic. Hypoventilation leads to respiratory acidosis, characterized by an accumulation of carbon dioxide and a reduction in blood pH. When hypoventilation occurs, there is a reduction in the rate and depth of breathing, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Hypoventilation leads to respiratory acidosis, characterized by an accumulation of carbon dioxide and a reduction in blood pH. This buildup of CO2 increases the level of carbonic acid, thereby lowering the pH of the blood below the normal range (which is typically around 7.35-7.45) and causing a state of acidosis.