Acute respiratory failure is commonly signaled by varying degrees of hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Which physiologic findings are considered a direct result of respiratory acidosis that develops as a result of hypercapnia?

Question

Biology

Davin Bryan

14 September, 13:01

Acute respiratory failure is commonly signaled by varying degrees of hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Which physiologic findings are considered a direct result of respiratory acidosis that develops as a result of hypercapnia?

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Answers (1)

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Kamila Cordova · Answer 1

The decreased pH level below 7.39 and an increase partial pressure of Carbon dioxide above 45 mm Hg. is considered as a direct result of respiratory acidosis caused by hypercapnia.

Explanation:

Hypercapnia is a condition in which carbon dioxide levels in blood are elevated than the normal. This results when amount of carbon dioxide exhaled is less than the amount of carbon dioxide produced in the body tissues. Accumulation of Carbon dioxide in the blood results in formation of carbonic acid and lowers the pH of the blood making it too acidic. This condition is known as acidosis. The increased amount of carbon dioxide in the tissues results in increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂). Thus, increased pCO₂ and lowered pH are physiolgic findings that are considered as direct result of respiratory acidosis.