Hypercapnia
February 7th, 2020
Overview
An increased PaCO₂ of greater than 44 mmHg on an arterial blood gas suggests the presence of a respiratory process - either primary (respiratory acidosis) or secondary (respiratory compensation of metabolic alkalosis).
Interpretation
- Reduced pH with elevated PCO₂ - suggests respiratory acidosis
- Elevated pH with elevated PCO₂ and elevated HCO₃ - suggests respiratory compensation for metabolic alkalosis
- Normal pH with elevated PCO₂ and elevated HCO₃ - suggests mixed respiratory acidosis-metabolic alkalosis
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------