Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

What condition is most often associated with hypercapnia?

1. Hypoventilation

2. Hyperventilation

3. Pneumothorax

4. Asthma exacerbation

The correct answer is: Hypoventilation

Hypercapnia, which is an elevated level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, is most commonly associated with hypoventilation. In this condition, the respiratory rate is reduced, leading to inadequate ventilation and insufficient removal of CO2 from the body. When ventilation is compromised, CO2 accumulates in the bloodstream, resulting in hypercapnia. Hypoventilation can occur due to various factors, including central nervous system depression, neuromuscular disorders, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, or airway obstruction, all of which hinder the body's ability to expel CO2 effectively. Understanding this relationship is vital for respiratory therapists, as it can guide appropriate interventions to restore normal gas exchange and neurophysiological function.