Which term would you use to describe a condition where carbon dioxide is not adequately eliminated, leading to increased acidity?

Which term would you use to describe a condition where carbon dioxide is not adequately eliminated, leading to increased acidity?

• A. Acidosis
• B. Alkalosis
• C. Antecubital
• D. Arthritis

Answer: (A)

When carbon dioxide isn’t eliminated effectively, it builds up in the blood and makes the body fluids more acidic. CO2 combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates to release hydrogen ions, lowering the pH. This increased acidity is called acidosis. If the cause is CO2 retention, it’s specifically respiratory acidosis. The other terms don’t fit: alkalosis means higher than normal pH (too little acidity), while antecubital refers to a forearm area and arthritis is joint inflammation.

When carbon dioxide isn’t eliminated effectively, it builds up in the blood and makes the body fluids more acidic. CO2 combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates to release hydrogen ions, lowering the pH. This increased acidity is called acidosis. If the cause is CO2 retention, it’s specifically respiratory acidosis. The other terms don’t fit: alkalosis means higher than normal pH (too little acidity), while antecubital refers to a forearm area and arthritis is joint inflammation.