In status asthmaticus, which acid-base disturbance may develop?

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Multiple Choice

In status asthmaticus, which acid-base disturbance may develop?

Explanation:
Status asthmaticus involves severe, ongoing airway obstruction. As the attack progresses, the patient may fatigue and ventilation falls, so the lungs fail to blow off CO2 effectively. That CO2 buildup makes carbonic acid, lowering the blood pH—this is respiratory acidosis. Early in a severe asthma flare, hyperventilation can cause a temporary respiratory alkalosis, but when fatigue sets in, the dominant pattern shifts to CO2 retention and acidosis. Metabolic disturbances aren’t the primary pattern here, and metabolic alkalosis wouldn’t arise from the airway obstruction itself. So respiratory acidosis is the disturbance that may develop.

Status asthmaticus involves severe, ongoing airway obstruction. As the attack progresses, the patient may fatigue and ventilation falls, so the lungs fail to blow off CO2 effectively. That CO2 buildup makes carbonic acid, lowering the blood pH—this is respiratory acidosis. Early in a severe asthma flare, hyperventilation can cause a temporary respiratory alkalosis, but when fatigue sets in, the dominant pattern shifts to CO2 retention and acidosis. Metabolic disturbances aren’t the primary pattern here, and metabolic alkalosis wouldn’t arise from the airway obstruction itself. So respiratory acidosis is the disturbance that may develop.

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