Which value indicates respiratory acidosis?

The value indicating respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 level along with a low pH. In respiratory acidosis, the body retains carbon dioxide (CO2) due to hypoventilation or impaired respiratory function, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood. This results in an increase in the concentration of carbonic acid, which in turn decreases the pH, causing acidosis.

The paired high PaCO2 and low pH provide a direct indication of the respiratory system's failure to eliminate CO2 effectively. In clinical practice, recognizing this combination is crucial for diagnosing respiratory acidosis and determining the appropriate interventions. Other metabolic or electrolyte imbalances do not present in this specific pairing and can be ruled out for this particular condition.