What can you assume about a patient who has a $\dot { V }$ / $\dot { Q }$ imbalance and exhibits hypercapnia (PCO₂ greater than 45 mm Hg)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of hypercapnia (elevated PCO2 levels greater than 45 mm Hg) in a patient with a $\dot { V }$/$\dot { Q }$ imbalance suggests that the patient's respiratory system is unable to maintain adequate ventilation ($\dot { V }$) to match perfusion ($\dot { Q }$), leading to an inability to expel CO2 effectively. This is not directly indicative of CNS response, metabolic alkalosis, or chronic metabolic acidosis compensation.

What Can You Assume About a Patient Who Has A \dot