Final answer:
Fully compensated respiratory acidosis is indicated by a near-normal pH, with elevated levels of CO2 and HCO3-, reflecting both the initial respiratory dysfunction and the renal compensatory mechanism. Bob's case with a pH of 7.31, and increased pCO2 and HCO3 levels, fits this description, with his asthma contributing to the respiratory acidosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fully compensated respiratory acidosis is a condition in the body where there has been a primary respiratory problem causing an increase in CO2, therefore a decrease in pH (making it more acidic).
However, the body has compensated for this by increasing bicarbonate levels (HCO3-) to bring the pH back towards the normal range.
When we refer to a fully compensated state, we expect the pH to be near the lower limit of normal or slightly below, confirming the presence of compensation for the respiratory acidosis.
Bob, the 64-year-old male admitted for asthma, illustrates this: his pH is 7.31 (low, indicating acidosis), the pCO2 is higher than normal (reflecting respiratory acidosis), and the total HCO3 is also higher than normal (indicating renal compensation).
Asthma can contribute to this because the airway constriction impedes CO2 expiration, leading to a buildup of CO2 and subsequent respiratory acidosis. The kidneys respond by retaining HCO3- to buffer the excess CO2 with the aim to maintain a normal pH.