Which of the following would differentiate acute from chronic respiratory acidosis in the assessment of the trauma client?

Which of the following would differentiate acute from chronic respiratory acidosis in the assessment of the trauma client?
A . Increased PaCO2
B . Decreased PaO2
C . Increased HCO3
D . Decreased base excess

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

(A) Increased CO2 will occur in both acute and chronic respiratory acidosis.

(B) Hypoxia does not determine acid-base status.

(C) Elevation of HCO3 is a compensatory mechanism in acidosis that occurs almost immediately, but it takes hours to show any effect and days to reach maximum compensation. Renal disease and diuretic therapy may impair the ability of the kidneys to compensate.

(D) Base excess is a nonrespiratory contributor to acid-base balance. It would increase to compensate for acidosis.