Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)

What condition is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis?

1. Anxiety/panic attack

2. Narcotic overdose

3. Methanol ingestion

4. Diabetic ketoacidosis

The correct answer is: Narcotic overdose

Respiratory acidosis occurs when the respiratory system is unable to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to increased levels of CO2 in the bloodstream and a decrease in pH. This condition is primarily caused by factors that impair ventilation or gas exchange. A narcotic overdose is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis because narcotics can depress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression. This results in slower or shallower breathing, which decreases the elimination of CO2. As CO2 accumulates due to inadequate ventilation, the blood becomes more acidic, resulting in respiratory acidosis. In contrast, anxiety or panic attacks typically lead to hyperventilation, which results in respiratory alkalosis rather than acidosis. Methanol ingestion can cause metabolic acidosis due to toxic byproducts but does not primarily affect the respiratory system directly, and diabetic ketoacidosis primarily involves metabolic imbalances resulting from insulin deficiency and increased fatty acid breakdown, also leading to a different mechanism of acid-base disturbance.