A student nurse asks the nurse preceptor about acid-base imbalances. Which of the following responses by the preceptor best describes respiratory acidosis?
A. "Respiratory acidosis occurs when a client is hyperventilating. "
B. "Respiratory acidosis occurs when the kidneys retain sodium bicarbonate, leading to acidosis. "
C. "This condition occurs when a client has inadequate ventilation, retains CO2, and the pH drops. "
D. "This condition is a direct result of a rapid respiratory rate, which blows off too much carbon dioxide, making the pH of the blood drop. "