A 50-year-old man comes to the physician because of a history of gradually worsening shortness of breath. He has a history of emphysema secondary to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and uses inhaled bronchodilators and glucocorticoids. His pulse is 72/min, blood pressure is 135/75 mm Hg, and respirations are 20/min. The patient does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs. Examination shows an increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. Diminished breath sounds are heard on auscultation of the chest. Which of the following sets of arterial blood gas findings on room air is most likely to be seen in this patient?

Question

A 50-year-old man comes to the physician because of a history of gradually worsening shortness of breath. He has a history of emphysema secondary to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and uses inhaled bronchodilators and glucocorticoids.  His pulse is 72/min, blood pressure is 135/75 mm Hg, and respirations are 20/min. The patient does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs. Examination shows an increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. Diminished breath sounds are heard on auscultation of the chest. Which of the following sets of arterial blood gas findings on room air is most likely to be seen in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Patients with severe emphysema typically have chronic CO₂ retention leading to chronic respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation (high PaCO₂, compensatory high bicarbonate, slightly acidic pH), often accompanied by hypoxemia (PaO₂ <75 mm Hg on room air).

A 50-Year-Old Man Comes to the Physician Because of a History