In the face of uncompensated respiratory acidosis, which of the following blood gas abnormalities would you expect to encounter?
I.decreased pH
II.increased HCO₃^-
III.increased PCO₂
IV.increased pH

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In uncompensated respiratory acidosis, you would expect to see a decreased pH due to the accumulation of CO2, which forms carbonic acid in the body, lowering the pH. Increased PCO2 is also expected as the primary issue in respiratory acidosis is the accumulation of CO2 due to inadequate ventilation. HCO3- may eventually increase as a compensatory mechanism, but in the uncompensated phase, the focus is on the direct consequences of retained CO2. An increased pH would not be expected in the context of acidosis.

In the Face of Uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis, Which of the Following