Which of the following is a cause of respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood due to inadequate ventilation, leading to a decrease in blood pH. Hypoventilation is a key contributor to this condition because it results in insufficient exhalation of carbon dioxide. As carbon dioxide levels rise, the blood becomes more acidic, directly causing respiratory acidosis.

In contrast, hyperventilation typically leads to respiratory alkalosis, where carbon dioxide levels drop as breathing becomes too rapid and deep. Metabolic alkalosis refers to a different acid-base imbalance entirely, characterized by an increase in blood pH due to factors unrelated to respiratory function. Mild anxiety may cause hyperventilation rather than hypoventilation, which would also not contribute to respiratory acidosis. Thus, hypoventilation is the correct cause associated with the condition of respiratory acidosis.