Respiratory Acidosis
Evaluation and Treatment
Clinical Manifestations
Cardiovascular
arterial pH < 7.35
Restoration of Adequate Alveolar ventilation to remove excess CO2
Reversal agents for CNS depressants if indicated
Supplemental Oxygen, BIPAP, Mechanical Ventilation if required
CNS
Headache
Sleepiness
LOC
Confusion
Coma
Convulsion
Restlessness
Apprehension
Respiratory
SOB
Coughing
Rapid shallow respirations
Gastric
Intestinal
Diarrhea
Nausea/Vomiting
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Bronchodilators
Corticosteroids
Antibiotics
Chest Xray
Types of Respiratory Acidosis
Chronic
Thoracic skeletal shape that could limit breathing and lung functioning
Sleep Apnea
Obesity
Asthma
COPD
Acute
Cardiac Arrest
CNS depression medications
Pain medication
Benzodiazepines
Opioids
Mysthenia Gravis
CVA
Airway obstruction is the most common
Tests: arterial blood gas (ABG) & Serum bicarbonate level
PCO2 (>45mmHg)
HCO3- (>30mmHg) if compensating
Possible Complications
Organ Failure/Shock 
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Muscular
Seizures
Twitching/Tremor
Weakness
Sweating
Blurred vision
Hypotension
Arrhythmia
Myocardial depression
Pathophysiology
Hypercapnia
CO2 retention, H+ ions increase
Occurs in the presence of alveolar hypoventilation