What is the result of inadequate alveolar ventilation (Va) associated with respiratory acidosis?

Inadequate alveolar ventilation, particularly in the context of respiratory acidosis, results in an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. When CO2 levels rise, this leads to an increase in carbonic acid, which subsequently causes the pH of the blood to drop. This combination of elevated CO2 (hypercapnia) and decreased pH indicates a state of respiratory acidosis.

In this scenario, the key physiological changes can be highlighted: as ventilation becomes insufficient, the body is unable to effectively remove CO2, which results in elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The consequent rise in carbonic acid leads to a decrease in pH, confirming the state of acidosis. Therefore, recognizing that an increase in PaCO2 is directly correlated with a decrease in pH is critical in understanding this condition.

The other options present scenarios that do not accurately reflect the changes associated with inadequate alveolar ventilation leading to respiratory acidosis. For instance, normal PaO2 accompanied by elevated PaCO2 does not consider the effect on pH, and increased pH coupled with decreased PaCO2 contradicts the definition of acidosis. Thus, the correct choice reflects the physiological reality of elevated PaCO2 and