Approach to Respiratory failure

Question 1

what is acute respiratory failure?

Answer 1

• failure to oxygenate
• failure to ventilate
• failure to protect airways (not necessarily respiratory failure but may lead to it)

Question 2

types of respiratory failure?

Answer 2

1. type 1= hypoxemic
2. type 2= hypercapnic (high co2)
3. type 3= post operative
4. type 4= shock

Question 3

definition of hypoxemia?

Answer 3

SaO2 < 88% and or PaO2 < 55
severe hypoxemia (PaO2 < 50) can cause somnolence, seizures, cardiopulmonary instability, brain damage

Question 4

what can cause V/Q mismatch?

Answer 4

alveolar filling (water, blood, pus)

• pneumonia/ pneumonitis
• pulmonary edema
• ARDS

airway obstruction

• COPD, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma

Capillary destruction/ Pulmonary vascular disease

• pulmonary fibrosis, vasculitis, pulmonary hypertension

Question 5

what can cause V/Q mismatch?

Answer 5

alveolar filling (water, blood, pus)

• pneumonia/ pneumonitis
• pulmonary edema
• ARDS

airway obstruction

• COPD, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma

Capillary destruction/ Pulmonary vascular disease

• pulmonary fibrosis, vasculitis, pulmonary hypertension