Final answer:
Respiratory acidosis is the acid-base imbalance resulting from impaired respiratory function, characterized by an excess of carbonic acid in the blood due to high CO₂ levels. It can be caused by conditions that hinder respiration and is diagnosed through pH, pCO₂, and HCO₃- lab tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acid-base imbalance that results from impaired respiratory function is respiratory acidosis. This occurs when there is an excess of carbonic acid in the blood, which results from too much CO₂. Conditions such as pneumonia, emphysema, or congestive heart failure can lead to respiratory acidosis by interfering with normal respiration. Over time, compensation may occur through renal mechanisms, where the kidneys increase the conservation of bicarbonate to correct the acid problem. In contrast, respiratory alkalosis is due to a deficiency in carbonic acid and CO₂ levels in the blood, commonly caused by hyperventilation resulting from factors like extreme emotional upset, fever, or infections. Lab tests that measure pH, pCO₂, and HCO₃- levels can distinguish between respiratory and metabolic causes of acidosis and alkalosis.