A patient has a PCO2 of 56 mm Hg. Based on this information, what can be concluded?
a. The patient is hyperventilating.
b. The patient is hypoventilating.
c. The patient's breathing rate is fast.
d. The patient's VT is low.
ANS: B
Ventilation that does not meet metabolic needs (resulting in respiratory acidosis) is termed hypoventilation. Hypoventilation is indicated by the presence of an elevated PaCO2. If alveolar ventilation increases, the lungs may remove carbon dioxide faster than it is being produced. In this case, PaCO2 will fall below its normal value of 40 mm Hg, and pH will rise (i.e., respiratory alkalosis).
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