Etymed
hypercapnia
Definition
Abnormal condition characterized by elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood
Clinical context
A 65-year-old COPD patient presents to the emergency department with increased shortness of breath and confusion. Arterial blood gas shows pH 7.30, pCO2 65 mmHg, and HCO3 35 mEq/L. The elevated pCO2 level indicates hypercapnia, a common complication in severe respiratory failure. The patient requires mechanical ventilation to reduce CO2 levels and correct the acid-base imbalance.
Mnemonic
Hypertension, Hypercapnia, Hyperkalemia - Happy to Have CO2