NREMT Paramedic Practice

What is a common cause of Respiratory Acidosis?

1. Severe vomiting

2. Overdose on sedatives

3. Excessive HCO3 intake

4. Anxiety

The correct answer is: Overdose on sedatives

Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the body. This leads to an increase in carbonic acid in the blood, resulting in a decrease in pH, or acidosis. One common cause of respiratory acidosis is an overdose on sedatives, which can depress the central nervous system and slow down the respiratory rate. When the respiratory rate is reduced, CO2 builds up in the bloodstream, leading to increased acidity and resulting in respiratory acidosis. For individuals who have taken sedatives, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, the respiratory drive can become significantly impaired. This reduction in respiratory function limits the body's ability to expel carbon dioxide effectively, causing a shift towards acidosis in the blood. In a clinical setting, recognizing this mechanism is crucial for prompt intervention and management of the patient to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation, improving their acid-base balance. Other options indicate factors that do not directly lead to respiratory acidosis. For example, severe vomiting typically leads to metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of gastric acid; excessive HCO3 intake can result in alkalosis; and anxiety often causes hyperventilation, which could lead to respiratory alkalosis rather than acidosis