Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

Decreased respirations affect PaCO2 and pH how?

1. Decreased PaCO2, Increased pH

2. Increased PaCO2, Decreased pH

3. Increased PaCO2, Increased pH

4. Decreased PaCO2, Decreased pH

The correct answer is: Increased PaCO2, Decreased pH

When respirations decrease, the body is unable to effectively expel carbon dioxide (CO2) during exhalation. This leads to the accumulation of CO2 in the bloodstream, resulting in an increased level of PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide). As CO2 levels rise, it affects blood pH due to the formation of carbonic acid when CO2 reacts with water in the body. Increased carbonic acid will lead to a decrease in pH, making the blood more acidic. This condition is known as respiratory acidosis. Therefore, when respirations are decreased, we see an increase in PaCO2 alongside a decrease in pH, which aligns perfectly with the provided answer. Understanding this relationship is crucial in the context of respiratory physiology, as it illustrates how changes in respiratory function directly influence acid-base balance in the body.