Which finding would support the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory acidosis is carbon dioxide accumulation (hypercapnia) due to a decrease in respiratory rate and/or respiratory volume (hypoventilation). Recognition of respiratory acidosis and appropriate renal compensation requires ABG alongside serum electrolytes measurement. Adequate ventilation is all that is needed to correct respiratory acidosis, although chronic hypercapnia generally must be corrected slowly eg, over several hours or more.