Which of the following will likely be seen in the arterial blood gas values of a patient with acute ventilatory failure?
1) Acidic pH
2) Near-normal bicarbonate level
3) Alkaline pH
4) High carbon dioxide level

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In acute ventilatory failure, the patient is unable to adequately remove carbon dioxide through the lungs, leading to a buildup of CO2 in the blood (hypercapnia), which results in respiratory acidosis. This is reflected by an acidic pH and a high carbon dioxide level. The bicarbonate level may initially be near normal because the kidneys have not yet had time to compensate for the respiratory acidosis by increasing bicarbonate reabsorption or production.

Which of the Following Will Likely Be Seen in the Arterial