Which of the following is a possible cause of respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs are unable to remove all of the carbon dioxide produced by the body, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This condition can occur due to a variety of factors that impact respiratory function.

Airway obstruction is a possible cause of respiratory acidosis as it directly impairs the ability to ventilate, resulting in the retention of carbon dioxide. This could be due to various obstructions, such as from foreign bodies, severe asthma attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any condition that reduces airflow. The retained carbon dioxide reacts with water in the blood to form carbonic acid, which decreases the pH, hence leading to acidosis.

Other options such as shock, hypoglycemia, or severe congenital heart disease do not primarily lead to respiratory acidosis. Shock may cause metabolic acidosis due to tissue hypoperfusion and consequent lactic acid accumulation. Hypoglycemia is related to low blood sugar and does not directly influence carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Severe congenital heart disease can lead to a mix of physiological disturbances but is not specifically linked to respiratory acidosis like an airway obstruction is. Therefore, airway obstruction stands out as a direct cause of respiratory acidosis due to