What is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis in a patient with slow and shallow breathing?

The primary cause of respiratory acidosis in a patient with slow and shallow breathing is the accumulation of carbon dioxide due to hypoventilation. When a person breathes slowly and shallowly, the body does not expel carbon dioxide effectively. This reduced ventilation leads to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which in turn raises the acidity of the blood (decreasing the pH) and causes a state known as respiratory acidosis.

In the context of respiratory acidosis, it's important to understand the role of carbon dioxide and how breathing patterns affect its levels. Normally, carbon dioxide is produced by metabolic processes and is eliminated through adequate ventilation. When breathing is insufficient (hypoventilation), carbon dioxide builds up, leading to an imbalance that results in acidosis. This condition can be exacerbated by factors such as lung disease, neuromuscular disorders, or any condition that impairs the respiratory rate or depth.

Other options provided do not accurately reflect the mechanism leading to respiratory acidosis in this scenario. Excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide would be expected to lead to respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. Increased oxygen intake does not directly relate to carbon dioxide retention, as it does not impact the levels of carbon dioxide produced or