How do the acid-base disturbances (respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, and metabolic alkalosis) differ?
Respiratory acidosis (carbonic acid excess) is an acid-base disturbance characterized by a blood pH below 7.35, arterial carbon dioxide pressure greater than 45 mm Hg, and an excess of carbonic acid. Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation or depressed ventilation. Respiratory acidosis causes disorientation, weakness, stupor, flushed and warm skin and mucous membranes, dyspnea, tachycardia, and dysrhythmias. Respiratory alkalosis (carbonic acid deficit) is characterized by decreased hydrogen ion concentration (blood pH above 7.45) and an arterial carbon dioxide pressure less than 35 mm Hg. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation (excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, leading to hypocapnia (decreased arterial dioxide concentration). Respiratory alkalosis causes hyperactive reflexes, sweating, rapid and shallow breathing, and palpitations. Metabolic acidosis (bicarbonate deficit) is characterized by an increased hydrogen ion concentration (blood pH below 7.35) or