A patient is admitted with severe emphysema and a PO₂ of 85.He also has a blood pH of 7.25 and a serum bicarbonate of 40 mEq/liter.Which of the following is the accurate description?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient has severe emphysema which is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causing respiratory acidosis due to accumulation of carbon dioxide. The low PO₂ indicates hypoxemia which further exacerbates respiratory acidosis by increasing respiratory rate and carbon dioxide retention. The elevated serum bicarbonate indicates renal compensation for respiratory acidosis as the kidneys excrete acid and retain bicarbonate to maintain acid-base balance. Thus, the correct answer is respiratory acidosis with renal compensation (Choice D).

A Patient Is Admitted with Severe Emphysema and a PO₂