Respiratory Acidosis

Question 1

What is respiratory acidosis?

Answer 1

1. Characterised by a raised PaCO2, normal/slightly elevated bicarb and low pH
2. Resp acidosis may be complicated by metabolic derangement (mixed acidosis)
3. Measurement of bicarb gives diagnosis

Question 2

What is acute respiratory acidosis?

Answer 2

1. Serum bicarb inc by 1mM. for each 10mmHg inc in PaCO2

Question 3

What is chronic respiratory acidosis?

Answer 3

1. Serum bicarb inc by 3.5mM/every 10mmHg inc in PaCO2

Question 4

If bicarb lower than expected then?

Answer 4

Mixed respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis

Question 5

If bicarb higher than expected?

Answer 5

Mixed respiratory acidosis and metabolic alkalosis.

Question 6

What can cause respiratory acidosis?

Answer 6

1. Lungs and airways
2. Thoracic cage and pleura: AS, kyphoscoliosis
3. CNS: Raised intercranial P, trauma, narcotics
4. Neuromuscual: epilepsy,