Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
a. Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to an increase in blood CO2 levels and a decrease in blood pH (making it more acidic).
2. Analyze the term 'hypoventilation': Hypoventilation refers to inadequate ventilation, which results in reduced exhalation of CO2. This causes CO2 to accumulate in the blood, potentially leading to respiratory acidosis.
3. Evaluate the statement: The statement 'Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation' is true because hypoventilation directly leads to the retention of CO2, which is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis.
4. If the statement were false, the correction would involve identifying the actual cause of respiratory acidosis (e.g., hypoventilation) and replacing the incorrect cause with the correct one.
5. Conclude that the statement is true and does not require correction, as hypoventilation is indeed the cause of respiratory acidosis.

Key Concepts

Respiratory Acidosis

Respiratory acidosis is a condition characterized by an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood due to inadequate ventilation. This leads to a decrease in blood pH, making it more acidic. It can occur in situations where the lungs cannot effectively remove CO2, such as in cases of hypoventilation, respiratory diseases, or certain neuromuscular disorders.

Hypoventilation

Hypoventilation refers to a reduced rate or depth of breathing, resulting in decreased oxygen intake and inadequate removal of carbon dioxide. This can lead to respiratory acidosis as CO2 accumulates in the bloodstream. Causes of hypoventilation can include obesity, sedative use, or respiratory muscle weakness, impacting the body's ability to maintain normal gas exchange.

Acid-Base Balance

Acid-base balance is the regulation of the pH level in the body, which is crucial for normal physiological functions. The body maintains this balance through various mechanisms, including respiratory control of CO2 and renal regulation of bicarbonate. Disruptions in this balance, such as those caused by respiratory acidosis, can lead to significant health issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding these concepts in clinical settings.