In a patient with spinal cord injury, which ABG results reflect respiratory acidosis?

In the context of a patient with spinal cord injury, understanding the implications of the arterial blood gas (ABG) results is crucial. The correct answer indicates a pH of 7.29 and a PaCO2 of 54.

A pH value of 7.29 is below the normal range (which is approximately 7.35 to 7.45), suggesting acidemia, or an excess of acid in the blood. When evaluating the PaCO2 level, a value of 54 is also elevated, as the normal range is typically between 35 and 45 mmHg. Elevated PaCO2 levels indicate hypoventilation or impaired respiratory function, which can lead to respiratory acidosis, a condition characterized by an accumulation of carbon dioxide due to inadequate ventilation.

In a patient with spinal cord injury, the neurological impairment can affect the respiratory muscles, leading to reduced ventilation and an increase in carbon dioxide levels. Consequently, the combination of a low pH and elevated PaCO2 in the provided ABG result aligns with the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.

The other ABG results, with higher pH values and lower or normal PaCO2 levels, do not indicate respiratory acidosis. Instead, they suggest either a