Respiratory Failure

Question 1

What is type 1 respiratory failure

Answer 1

PaO2 < 8 kPa and PaCO2 normal (<6kPa)

Question 2

What is type 2 respiratory failure

Answer 2

PaO2 < 8 kPa and PaCO2 > 6kPa

Question 3

Type 1 causes

Answer 3

Ventilation perfusion mismatch. Volume of air going into the lungs is not maintained with the flow of blood to lung tissue. There is an initial rise in CO2 which the body corrects for.

Question 4

Low V/Q mismatch causes

Answer 4

Decrease in ventilation and normal perfusion = oedema, bronchoconstriction, emphysema

Question 5

High V/Q mismatch causes

Answer 5

Decreased perfusion and normal ventilation = PE

Question 6

Cause of type 2 respiratory failure

Answer 6

Alveolar hypoventilation, preventing patient from being adequately oxygenated and blowing CO2 off

Question 7

Obstructive and restrictive causes of type 2 respiratory failure

Answer 7

COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Question 8

Neuromuscular causes of type 2 respiratory failure

Answer 8

Guillain-Barre, MND - reduced muscle strength

Question 9

Reduction of lung compliance causes of type 2 respiratory failure

Answer 9

Lung tissue/chest wall deformities - pneumonia, rib fracture, obesity

Question 10

How can opiates cause type 2 respiratory failure

Answer 10

Act on the respiratory centre to reduce overall ventilation

Question 11

ABG findings in respiratory alkalosis

Answer 11

Increased pH, decreased CO2, decreased HCO3-

Question 12

Causes of respiratory alkalosis

Answer 12

CNS infection, subarachnoid haemorrhage, panic attack, pulmonary emboli, aspirin OD, hypoxia, anaemia