Final answer:
A patient with high pCO₂ and high HCO₃ has respiratory acidosis, which can be caused by conditions like pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or hypoventilation due to drugs or breath-holding.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient has high pCO₂ and high HCO₃, it suggests a respiratory acidosis. In this condition, excess CO₂ is present in the blood causing it to be acidic. Bicarbonate levels may initially be normal, but if compensation occurs, they would increase to maintain the proper ratio of bicarbonate and carbonic acid/CO₂.
Differential diagnosis for a patient with high pCO₂ and high HCO₃ includes conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and hypoventilation due to drugs or breath-holding. It is important to consider these potential causes and perform further evaluations for a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.