Which condition can result in acidosis?

The correct response is associated with the concept of respiratory acidosis, which can occur as a result of excessive oxygen therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When high levels of oxygen are administered, it can diminish the respiratory drive in these patients, leading to decreased ventilation and a build-up of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia). This accumulation of carbon dioxide raises the levels of carbonic acid in the blood, contributing to acidosis.

In clinical scenarios, managing oxygen therapy carefully is crucial in patients with underlying lung conditions to prevent such complications. Understanding the balance of oxygen levels and carbon dioxide is essential in avoiding disturbances in acid-base balance.

The other conditions listed—cystic fibrosis, vomiting, and hyperaldosteronism—are not primarily associated with acidosis in the same direct manner. Cystic fibrosis can lead to complications that might produce different acid-base disturbances, vomiting typically causes metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of gastric acid, and hyperaldosteronism generally contributes to metabolic alkalosis by causing increased hydrogen ion excretion.