AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following is a cause of respiratory acidosis?

1. Hypoventilation

2. Excessive vomiting

3. Anxiety attacks

4. Acid-base balance

The correct answer is: Hypoventilation

Hypoventilation is a primary cause of respiratory acidosis because it leads to an inadequate exchange of gases in the lungs. When hypoventilation occurs, the body fails to expel carbon dioxide (CO2) efficiently, resulting in elevated levels of CO2 in the blood. This increase in CO2 leads to a higher concentration of carbonic acid, which in turn decreases the pH of the blood, causing acidosis. In contrast, excessive vomiting is typically associated with metabolic alkalosis rather than respiratory acidosis, as it leads to the loss of stomach acids and consequently a higher pH. Anxiety attacks can induce hyperventilation, which decreases CO2 levels and might lead to respiratory alkalosis. Acid-base balance itself is a broader concept and does not specifically define a cause of respiratory acidosis. Therefore, hypoventilation stands out as the clear cause of this condition.