Respiratory acidosis can often be caused by which of the following conditions?

Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream, leading to a drop in blood pH and making it more acidic. This condition can arise from a few key physiological processes.

Hypoventilation is a primary cause because it reduces the amount of air that is moved in and out of the lungs, which in turn decreases the removal of CO2. When ventilation is inadequate, CO2 accumulates in the blood, leading to respiratory acidosis.

Airway obstruction is another significant factor. Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or foreign body obstruction can hinder airflow and gas exchange, preventing CO2 from being exhaled effectively. As CO2 builds up due to this obstruction, blood acidity increases, resulting in respiratory acidosis.

Therefore, both hypoventilation and airway obstruction contribute to the development of respiratory acidosis, making the combination of these two conditions a correct choice. This understanding highlights the importance of recognizing how respiratory mechanics directly influence acid-base balance in the body.