The failure of the lungs to adequately eliminate CO2 results in?

Rationale: A. Metabolic alkalosis is related to an excess of bicarbonate or loss of acid, not CO₂ retention. B. Metabolic acidosis is caused by the accumulation of acids (like in renal failure or DKA), not respiratory dysfunction. C. Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs fail to excrete enough CO₂, leading to CO₂ retention and a decrease in blood pH. This is commonly seen in conditions like COPD, respiratory depression, or airway obstruction. D. Respiratory alkalosis results from excessive elimination of CO₂, such as in hyperventilation, which is the opposite of what is described.