Etymed
respiratory acidosis
Definition
A pathological condition characterized by an abnormally low pH of the blood and body tissues due to retention of carbon dioxide from inadequate ventilation
Clinical context
A 65-year-old chronic smoker presents to the emergency department with worsening shortness of breath over the past 3 days. Arterial blood gas shows pH 7.30, CO2 55 mmHg, and HCO3 28 mEq/L. The patient is diagnosed with respiratory acidosis secondary to COPD exacerbation. His condition deteriorates rapidly when his respiratory rate drops to 8 breaths per minute.
Mnemonic
VENT-IL - Ventilation inadequate, Leads to Increased CO2, Tissue Acidosis, Impaired Ion balance