To treat the underlying cause of respiratory acidosis, the first step is to?

To treat the underlying cause of respiratory acidosis, the first step is to?

• A. Decrease ventilation
• B. Increase ventilation
• C. Administer bicarbonate
• D. Oxygen therapy only

Answer: (B)

In respiratory acidosis the main issue is hypoventilation, so CO2 is not being cleared effectively and acidity rises. The first step to treat the underlying cause is to increase ventilation—assist or improve breathing so CO2 is blown off and pH begins to normalize. This might mean supporting ventilation with a bag‑valve mask, noninvasive or invasive ventilation, and addressing reversible causes like airway obstruction, CNS depression, or chest/airway problems. Decreasing ventilation would make the acidosis worse. Giving bicarbonate doesn’t fix the underlying issue of CO2 retention and can introduce other risks, and while oxygen therapy can improve oxygen levels, it doesn’t address CO2 removal and can even worsen CO2 retention in some patients.

In respiratory acidosis the main issue is hypoventilation, so CO2 is not being cleared effectively and acidity rises. The first step to treat the underlying cause is to increase ventilation—assist or improve breathing so CO2 is blown off and pH begins to normalize. This might mean supporting ventilation with a bag‑valve mask, noninvasive or invasive ventilation, and addressing reversible causes like airway obstruction, CNS depression, or chest/airway problems.

Decreasing ventilation would make the acidosis worse. Giving bicarbonate doesn’t fix the underlying issue of CO2 retention and can introduce other risks, and while oxygen therapy can improve oxygen levels, it doesn’t address CO2 removal and can even worsen CO2 retention in some patients.