Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

What is indicated by a high level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood?

1. Hypoxia

2. Hypercapnia

3. Acidosis

4. Hyperventilation

The correct answer is: Hypercapnia

A high level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood is specifically referred to as hypercapnia. Hypercapnia occurs when there is an excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, typically due to inadequate respiration or decreased elimination of CO2 by the lungs. This condition can arise from various respiratory issues, such as COPD, respiratory failure, or any condition that impairs ventilation. Hypercapnia is clinically significant because elevated CO2 levels can lead to respiratory acidosis, as CO2 reacts with water in the body to form carbonic acid, thus lowering the pH of the blood. It serves as an important indicator for paramedics and healthcare professionals to assess the respiratory status of a patient. While other options relate to respiratory or metabolic processes, hypercapnia distinctly identifies the condition characterized by high CO2 levels, making it the most precise answer in this context.