What is the term for elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood?

Master EMT Airway Management! Use our EMT Airway Management Study Guide featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed hints and explanations. Get fully prepared for your EMT exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the term for elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood?

Explanation:
Elevated carbon dioxide in the blood is called hypercarbia (also known as hypercapnia). This term specifically describes higher CO2 levels in the blood, regardless of pH. Acidosis refers to a low blood pH and can occur when CO2 is high, but the term asked for is the CO2 elevation itself. The other options describe oxygen status—hypoxemia means low blood oxygen, and hypoxia means inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues. So hypercarbia is the correct term.

Elevated carbon dioxide in the blood is called hypercarbia (also known as hypercapnia). This term specifically describes higher CO2 levels in the blood, regardless of pH. Acidosis refers to a low blood pH and can occur when CO2 is high, but the term asked for is the CO2 elevation itself. The other options describe oxygen status—hypoxemia means low blood oxygen, and hypoxia means inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues. So hypercarbia is the correct term.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy