Acute Respiratory Failure

Question 1

what is acute respiratory failure?

Answer 1

inadequate ventilation or oxygenation

Question 2

What are the clinical manifestations of acute respiratory failure?

Answer 2

1. restless/agitation/decreased LOC
2. O2 sat < 85%
3. RR >30 (tachypnea)
4. PaCO2 >60 (hypercarbic)
5. PaO2 <60 (hypoxic)
6. pH < 7.30

Question 3

What are signs of impending death with acute respiratory failure?

Answer 3

ominous signs that are signs of death due to acute respiratory failure include:

1. RR is high then suddenly drops below 12 bpm
2. Tachycardia–> bradycardia ( <60 bpm)

Question 4

What is the priority interventions for patients with acute respiratory failure?

Answer 4

1. Begin bag valve mask (AMBU bag) at RR of 6 or less

2. ET intubation and mechanical vent when in respiratory failure (initiate positive pressure airflow)