Chronic Compensated Resp Acidosis — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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EasyRespiratoryChronic Compensated Resp AcidosisRACP Adult Medicine

A 60-year-old man with known COPD has ABG: pH 7.38, PaCO₂ 60, PaO₂ 58, HCO₃ 34 on room air. He is at baseline. What acid-base disturbance?

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Correct answer: C — Chronic compensated respiratory acidosis

Near-normal pH with elevated PaCO₂ and appropriately elevated HCO₃ = chronic compensation. This is stable baseline for severe COPD.

Reference: eTG – 2025 – Respiratory