What condition can arise from an accumulation of acids or loss of bases due to obstruction of air movement?

The correct answer is respiratory acidosis. This condition occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (a component of carbonic acid) in the blood, primarily due to impaired gas exchange in the lungs. When air movement is obstructed, such as in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma, the body cannot effectively eliminate carbon dioxide. As carbon dioxide levels rise, it leads to an increase in carbonic acid in the blood, resulting in a decrease in blood pH and causing acidosis.

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by the body's inability to maintain proper acid-base balance through respiration, which is typically a compensatory mechanism for regulating acid levels. When there is a buildup of carbon dioxide, the body retains more acids than it can excrete, thereby confirming the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.

This condition stands in contrast to metabolic acidosis, which refers to acid-base imbalance resulting primarily from metabolic processes and issues not related to respiratory function. Additionally, respiratory alkalosis is linked to low levels of carbon dioxide due to hyperventilation, and metabolic alkalosis involves an excess of bicarbonate or loss of acids from the body.