Acute Respiratory Failure Flashcards
A V/Q mismatch of <1 means what?
there is a decrease in ventilation (decrease PaO2)
A V/Q mismatch of >1 means what?
there is dead space ventilation (decrease PaO2/increased PaCO2)
What type of condition would cause a decrease in ventilation (V)?
any disease that fills up the alveoli with fluid (e.g. pneumonia)
What condition is commonly associated with a decrease in perfusion (Q)?
PE
What are the 3 types of respiratory failure?
- hypoxemic respiratory failure
- hypercarbic respiratory failure
- mixed respiratory failure
Traditionally what test has been used to provide “cutoffs” to guide the clinician when determining respiratory failure?
ABGs
Using an ABG how is hypoxemia and hypercapnia defined?
- hypoxemia = RA PaO2 <50-60 mmHg
- hypercapnia = PaCO2 > 45 mmHg
What are the 3 tests used for diagnosing respiratory failure?
- physical exam
- ABG
- CXR
What is a late sign of respiratory failure?
cyanosis
What 3 components of the ABG will tell us about acid-base balance?
- pH
- pCO2
- HCO3
What component of the ABG will tell us about ventilation?
pCO2
What component of the ABG will tell us about oxygenation?
- pO2
- O2 saturation
How is hypoxic respiratory failure defined using an ABG?
- pO2 and O2 sat will be low
- room air PaO2 < 60 mmHg
How is hypercapnic respiratory failure defined using an ABG?
- decrease in pH and increase in pCO2
- PaCO2 > 45 mmHg with pH < 7.35
What 2 clinical features suggest acute respiratory failure?
- increased work-rate of breathing
- altered mental status