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Respiratory Acidosis — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

↓ pH, ↑ CO₂ (hypoventilation)

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Respiratory Acidosis on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Key numbers

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What to look for

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Nursing actions

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Why it happens

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ABG pattern: low pH (under 7.35) with high PaCO2 (over 45 mmHg); the CO2 drives the disorder.

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