Answer 1. (A) Respiratory acidosis is primarily characterized by an… — First aid 2026 🫡 — TG.ME

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First aid 2026 🫡Question 1 Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for the development of respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis, respectively? A) Excessive CO₂ retention and hyperventilation B) Excessive hydrogen ion retention and hypoventilation…

Answer 1. (A)

Respiratory acidosis is primarily characterized by an increase in pCO₂, which leads to a decrease in blood pH. As a compensatory mechanism, HCO₃⁻ levels increase. The main underlying cause is hypoventilation.

The etiology includes:

Central nervous system depression (e.g., narcotics, anesthetics, cerebrovascular events)

Airway and lung parenchymal diseases (e.g., asthma, COPD, pneumonia)

Chest wall and respiratory muscle disorders (e.g., myositis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, kyphoscoliosis, obesity)

Respiratory alkalosis is primarily characterized by a decrease in pCO₂, resulting in an increase in blood pH. As compensation, HCO₃⁻ levels decrease. The underlying cause is hyperventilation.

The etiology includes:

Anxiety (the most common cause), psychosis, pain, fever


Central nervous system disorders (e.g., meningitis, tumors)

Medications and toxins (e.g., salicylate intoxication, methylxanthines)

Pregnancy

Tachypnea secondary to hypoxemia

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March 18, 2026 20.5K 4