Critical care - ARF & ARDS, NIV/HFNC Flashcards
- Interpretation and management of acid-base imbalances- Acute respiratory failure- Adult respiratory distress syndrome - Nursing management for MV and HFNC- Management of Shock
What are the components for intact ventilation?
Brain, respiratory centre, nerves between brainstem and respiratory muscles, intact and patent upper and lower airways, intact and non-collapsed alveoli
What is oxygenation? Physiology of oxygenation?
Simple diffusion process at pulmonary-capillary bed
Gaseous exchange across alveolar membrane to blood vessels
Diffusion requirements for oxygenation
- Intact, non-thickened alveolar walls (no gaseous exchange occurs in alveolitis)
- Minimal interstitial space and without additional fluid
- Intact, non-thickened capillary walls
Physiology of perfusion
Process of circulating blood through the capillary bed
Perfusion requirements
- adequate blood volume
- adequate hemoglobin
- intact, non-occluded pulmonary capillaries
- functioning heart
relationship between heart and lungs (normal ventilation perfusion) (V/Q)
Pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the alveoli, oxygenated blood is carried to the heart via the pulmonary vein
What is a low V/Q ratio caused by?
e.g. Pneumonia/asthma/COPD
When ventilation is impaired (e.g. bronchospasm/ bronchitis), alveoli will not get adequate oxygen, unable to carry out gaseous exchange
–> Blood going back to heart is not 100% oxygenated
therefore, ventilation compromised, but perfusion (Q) is intact
What is the general treatment for LOW V/Q ratio?
- give oxygen as the airways are only partially obstructed, so it is possible for oxygen to enter the alveoli by diffusion
What is very low V/Q ratio and what treatment
Usually caused by shunt (blood flows through the pulmonary circulation but does not come into contact with functional alveoli)
Multiple alveoli affected, blood reaching the heart poorly oxygenated
Why cannot use oxygen therapy for VERY LOW V/Q ratio?
True shunt is not responsive to oxygen therapy as the alveoli are collapsed and oxygen cannot gain entry into them
In what cases will perfusion (Q) be compromised? What is high V/Q ratio??
Perfusion compromised when pt is in shock, and no proper oxygenation, low PaO2, SaO2 as oxygen is not going into the body due to poor perfusion
Example of condition w high V/Q ratio
Pulmonary embolism
Will increasing oxygen to a pt in shock be the most effective way of increasing PaO2? If not, what should the treatment be?
NO!! Problem lies with perfusion! Give inotropes and colloids to build up perfusion!
What is non-invasive ventilation (NIV)?
A method of providing ventilatory support without the need for an invasive procedure, such as intubation. It delivers pressurized air/oxygen through a tightly fitting mask
Types of NIV
Modes of delivery:
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure)
Used for managing acute and chronic respiratory failure.
Nursing care of pts on NIV/HFNC (initiation)
Choose appropriate size of mask (NIV)
set up NIV/HFNC incl. audible alarms
Position patient: upright (high Fowler’s) if no contraindication
ABG post initiation
Nursing care of pts on NIV/HFNC (monitoring)
Continuous SpO2 monitoring
ABG for titration/weaning
Monitor for complications
What does NIV (BiPAP and CPAP) do?
Hint: delivers positive…
delivers positive pressure into lungs without need for endotracheal intubation (ETT)
Rationale for BiPAP/CPAP
Unload respiratory muscles during inspiration
Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP): Higher pressure during inhalation. Supports the work of breathing by assisting airflow into the lungs. This reduces the effort required by the respiratory muscles
CPAP: Airway stenting
What is BiPAP
(Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure)
Provides two levels of pressure:
Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP): Higher pressure during inhalation.
Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP): Lower pressure during exhalation.
Offers inspiratory support to reduce respiratory muscle effort and exhalatory support to prevent airway collapse, improving ventilation and gas exchange
Helpful for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders such as CHF and lung disorders or certain neuromuscular disorders
Clinical indication for BiPAP
Ventilation (CO2) and/or oxygenation problems
What is CPAP
(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
CPAP provides a single CONTINUOUS pressure throughout both inhalation and exhalation.
Acts as a “stent” to keep the airway and alveoli open, reducing upper airway obstruction and improving oxygenation in conditions like obstructive sleep apnea or pulmonary edema.
Clinical indication for CPAP
Oxygenation problem
BiPAP vs CPAP
BiPAP has a greater ability to reduce PaCO₂ and influence systemic effects like vasoconstriction compared to CPAP
By increasing the depth of ventilation (tidal volume), BiPAP helps remove excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the blood more effectively.
Elevated PaCO₂ causes systemic vasodilation as the body attempts to remove CO₂.
BiPAP lowers PaCO₂ more effectively, thereby reversing CO₂-induced vasodilation and restoring vasoconstriction.
BiPAP: Preferred for conditions with hypercapnia (e.g., COPD exacerbations, neuromuscular disorders).
CPAP: More effective for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or acute pulmonary edema, where the primary issue is oxygenation and airway collapse, not CO₂ retention.
Complications of HFNC
Pneumothorax (mostly children & infants)
Device-related pressure injuries - apply Mepilex/pressure relieving
Dry oral mucosa - to ensure oral hygiene with oral swabs
Dry eyes - to ensure correct placement of straps
Haemodynamic instability, hypotension
Non-compliance, fear, claustrophobia
Definition of Acute Respiratory failure (ARF)
A state of disturbed gas exchange resulting in abnormal ABG values.
- PaO2 < 60 mmHg (hypoxemia)
- PaCO2 > 50 mmHg (hypercapnia)
with
- pH < 7.35 on room air