Respiratory disorders: Hypoxemia and Hypoventilation Flashcards
While hypoxemia is generally defined as less than 80 mmHg or an arterial blood hemoglobin saturation of less than 95%, severe, life threatening hypoxemia is defined as a PaO2 less than __ mmHg or SpO2 less than __%.
Hypoxemia
PaO2 = <80 mmHg
SpO2 = <95%
Severe hypoxemia
PaO2 = <60 mmHg
SpO2 = <90%
When ________ is manifested as a sign of hypoxemia, it is always a late sign of severe hypoxemia.
Cyanosis
True or False: Anemic patients will die of hypoxemia, prior to exhibiting signs of cyanosis.
True
In healthy patients, the ________ is the site or origin for automatic impulses that control breathing. The three centers - medullary respiratory, apneustic, pneumtaxic - are associated with -?
Brainstem
Medullary Respiratory center - inspiration, increasing the force of inspiration, and forced exhalation
Apneustic center - coordinating the speed of inhalation, exhalation
Pneumotaxic center - terminating inspiration, regulating inspiratory volume and respiratory rate
Chemoreceptors are found both centrally and peripherally. Describe the difference between the two.
Central = medulla; respond to increased levels of CO2
Peripheral = carotid and aortic bodies; respond to decreased O2 levels and pH, increased CO2, and hypoperfusion; carotid bodies are responsible for control of ventilation, whereas the aortic bodies have greater regulation of circulation
Clinical signs associated with hypoventilation include -?
Shallow, rapid breathing or deep, slow breathing
Dyspnea may or may not be present
Treatment for hypoventilation includes -?
Confirming airway patency, supplemental oxygenation, tracheostomy tube placement or endotracheal intubation, hemodynamic stability if secondary to poor pulmonary perfusion
Additional next line of treatment includes Doxapram (stimulates peripheral chemoreceptors) and Methylxanthine drugs (central respiratory stimulation)
What is the most effective treatment for hypoventilation?
Mechanical ventilation
