An emphysema patient with fluid accumulation in the alveolar spaces is likely to be in which metabolic state?

An emphysema patient with fluid accumulation in the alveolar spaces is likely to be in which metabolic state?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Answer: (A)

The situation reflects a respiratory problem causing CO2 retention. In emphysema, ventilation is impaired, and when fluid accumulates in the alveoli, gas exchange worsens further, so the lungs can’t blow off CO2 effectively. That buildup of CO2 lowers the blood pH, producing respiratory acidosis. In chronic COPD, the kidneys may compensate by retaining bicarbonate, which can blur the pH trend, but the primary disturbance remains respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis or metabolic alkalosis would arise from different primary processes, not from CO2 retention due to hypoventilation.

The situation reflects a respiratory problem causing CO2 retention. In emphysema, ventilation is impaired, and when fluid accumulates in the alveoli, gas exchange worsens further, so the lungs can’t blow off CO2 effectively. That buildup of CO2 lowers the blood pH, producing respiratory acidosis. In chronic COPD, the kidneys may compensate by retaining bicarbonate, which can blur the pH trend, but the primary disturbance remains respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis or metabolic alkalosis would arise from different primary processes, not from CO2 retention due to hypoventilation.