Oxygen Related Abnormalities Flashcards
Hypoxemia
Definition: Low levels of oxygen in the blood.
Causes: Respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD, pneumonia), heart problems, high altitudes.
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, cyanosis, confusion.
Treatment: Oxygen therapy, treating underlying cause.
Hypoxia
Definition: Reduced oxygen availability to tissues.
Types: Hypoxic hypoxia, anemic hypoxia, circulatory hypoxia, histotoxic hypoxia.
Symptoms: Cyanosis, confusion, restlessness, lethargy, rapid heart rate.
Treatment: Oxygen supplementation, treating underlying cause.
Cyanosis
Definition: Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen saturation.
Types: Central cyanosis (lips, tongue), peripheral cyanosis (fingers, toes).
Causes: Severe hypoxemia, respiratory or cardiac disorders, cold exposure.
Treatment: Addressing the underlying cause, oxygen therapy.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Definition: Severe, sudden lung injury causing respiratory failure and low blood oxygen.
Causes: Sepsis, pneumonia, trauma, inhalation injuries.
Symptoms: Severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, hypoxemia.
Treatment: Mechanical ventilation, supportive care, addressing the underlying cause.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Definition: A group of lung diseases (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis) that obstruct airflow and reduce oxygen exchange.
Symptoms: Persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, hypoxemia.
Treatment: Inhalers, bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, smoking cessation.
Hypercapnia
Definition: Elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood, often linked with hypoxemia.
Causes: Hypoventilation, COPD, respiratory depression, lung diseases.
Symptoms: Drowsiness, headache, confusion, flushed skin.
Treatment: Improving ventilation, treating underlying respiratory issues.
Pulmonary Edema
Definition: Fluid accumulation in the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange and hypoxemia.
Causes: Heart failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, high altitudes.
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, wheezing, cough with frothy sputum, cyanosis.
Treatment: Oxygen therapy, diuretics, treating underlying heart condition.
Pneumothorax
Definition: Collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space, reducing oxygen exchange.
Causes: Trauma, lung disease, spontaneous rupture of a lung bleb.
Symptoms: Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, hypoxemia.
Treatment: Needle decompression, chest tube insertion, oxygen therapy.
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