Hypoxia & Respiratory failure

Question 1

Name 3 causes of hypoxaemia

Answer 1

Hypoventilation, V/P mismatch, diffusion defect, Intra-lung shunt

Question 2

What are the effects of hypoxaemia?

Answer 2

Confusion, irritability, cardiac arrhythmias, cyanosis

Question 3

What is the effect of vasoconstriction of pulmonary vessels?

Answer 3

Pulmonary hypertension and Right side heart failure

Question 4

What is type 2 respiratory failure?

Answer 4

Low pO2 and high pCO2, breathing room air at sea level

Question 5

Name a chronic and acute cause of hypoventilation

Answer 5

Chronic = Severe COPD 
Acute = Severe Acute asthma

Question 6

What are the effects of hypercapnia?

Answer 6

Drowsiness, confusion, warm hands, bounding pulse and headache

Question 7

Name 2 causes of Diffuse Lung Fibrosis

Answer 7

Asbestosis and Idiopathic Fibrosing Alveolitis

Question 8

What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Answer 8

Alveolar damage causes loss of surfactant, lung becomes stiff and less compliant. Intra-pulmonary shunt forms due to no ventilation. Very hard to manage even on ventilator.