What results from excessive CO2 retention in the lungs?

Excessive CO2 retention in the lungs leads to respiratory acidosis. This occurs because carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with water in the body to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate (HCO3-). When CO2 levels increase due to inadequate ventilation or lung function, it causes an accumulation of carbonic acid, resulting in an increase in hydrogen ion concentration. This elevated hydrogen ion concentration lowers the pH of the blood, leading to acidosis.

In the context of neonatal intensive care, understanding respiratory acidosis is crucial because many premature infants or those with respiratory distress may struggle with CO2 clearance. Proper management, including mechanical ventilation or other interventions, may be required to address this issue and restore normal acid-base balance. This knowledge is essential for nursing practice and critical care management of neonatal patients. Other acid-base disturbances, such as metabolic acidosis or metabolic alkalosis, are not primarily caused by CO2 retention and instead involve different physiological mechanisms unrelated to respiratory function.