Which condition is indicated by a blood gas pH of 7.3, Pao2 of 57 mm Hg, Paco2 of 54 mm Hg?

A blood gas pH of 7.3 indicates acidity since the normal range for pH is typically between 7.35 and 7.45. The Pao2 of 57 mm Hg suggests that there is hypoxemia, which can occur in conditions affecting oxygenation. The Paco2 of 54 mm Hg indicates that carbon dioxide levels are elevated, as the normal range is usually between 35 and 45 mm Hg.

In this scenario, the combination of a low pH, elevated Paco2, and low Pao2 aligns with the definition of respiratory acidosis. This condition typically arises when the lungs cannot adequately ventilate, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide, which causes the pH to drop. The presence of hypoxemia reinforces the respiratory issue, as the body is struggling to deliver enough oxygen, further supporting the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic conditions, which would show a different pattern in the blood gas values.