Question

what are the causes of respiratory acidosis?
select the correct answer below:
too much co₂ is eliminated, dropping the co₂ pressure below 38 torr and resulting in a rise in blood ph. this can be caused by hyperventilation, fever, excessive exercise, or reactions to certain drugs.
the body eliminates too much acid or produces too much base for the renal system to compensate, resulting in a rise in blood ph.
breathing difficulty or lung problems reduce the ability to remove co₂, resulting in a co₂ pressure above 42 torr. acidic protons are not removed and the ph drops.
changes in the h⁺ or hco₃⁻ concentrations that cannot be adequately relieved by the body result in the ph dropping. it can be brought on by diabetes, kidney disease, diarrhea or vomiting, or inadequate oxygen.

Explanation:

Respiratory acidosis is caused by an inability to excrete \(CO_2\) (e.g., due to breathing/lung issues), leading to increased \(CO_2\) pressure (\(> 42\) torr) and lower pH.

• Option A describes respiratory alkalosis (excess \(CO_2\) elimination).
• Option B refers to metabolic alkalosis (renal - related acid - base imbalance).
• Option D describes metabolic acidosis (non - respiratory causes like diabetes, kidney disease).

Answer:

C. Breathing difficulty or lung problems reduce the ability to remove \(CO_2\), resulting in a \(CO_2\) pressure above 42 torr. Acidic protons are not removed and the pH drops.