Which of the following values for arterial blood gases would be expected in a patient with advanced emphysema?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Advanced emphysema is characterized by air trapping and destruction of lung tissue, which leads to ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatching and impaired gas exchange. This results in increased levels of carbon dioxide (PCO₂) in the blood (hypercapnia) and decreased levels of oxygen (PO₂) in the blood (hypoxemia), which stimulate the respiratory drive. However, as the disease progresses, the respiratory muscles become fatigued and unable to maintain adequate ventilation, resulting in respiratory acidosis (low pH) and increased bicarbonate ion levels as the kidneys compensate for the acidosis by retaining bicarbonate. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Which of the Following Values for Arterial Blood Gases Would