Final answer:
Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an excess of carbonic acid or CO2 in the blood, resulting in the blood being overly acidic. This can happen due to interference with respiration or reduced breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an excess of carbonic acid or CO2 in the blood, resulting in the blood being overly acidic. This condition can occur when there is interference with respiration, such as in cases of pneumonia, emphysema, or congestive heart failure. Hypoventilation, which is reduced breathing, can also lead to respiratory acidosis.