Respiratory Failure Flashcards
What is the definition of Type 1 Respiratory Failure?
HYPOXIA only!!!
pO2 < 8kPa
pCO2 = normal or LOW (<6kPa)
V/Q mismatch (good perfusion, poor ventilation)
Type 1 RF is characterized by hypoxemia without hypercapnia.
What characterizes Type 2 Respiratory Failure?
**HYPOXIA + HYPERCAPNIA **
pO2 < 8kPa
pCO2 > 6kPa
Alveolar hypoventilation
Type 2 RF involves both hypoxemia and hypercapnia.
What is a common cause of respiratory failure?
Inadequate gas exchange
This can result from various pulmonary or extrapulmonary factors.
What is respiratory acidosis?
Decreased respiratory rate, CO2 retention causing acidosis
It can occur due to mechanical lung function issues.
What is respiratory alkalosis?
Increased respiratory rate, resulting in excessive CO2 removal
Causes include altitude, pregnancy, and pulmonary embolism.
List some pulmonary causes of respiratory failure.
- COPD
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
- Lung cancer
These conditions can lead to respiratory failure due to various mechanisms.
List some extrapulmonary causes of respiratory failure.
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Nervous system disorders
- Sepsis
- Drug overdose
These factors can impair respiratory function indirectly.
What are some general risk factors for respiratory failure?
- Smoking
- Air pollution
- Aging
- Immunocompromised status
These factors can increase susceptibility to respiratory diseases.
What is a ventilation-perfusion mismatch?
Patients’ lungs are usually well perfused but not well ventilated
This is common in conditions like pneumonia.
What is a shunt in the context of respiratory failure?
A more severe ventilation-perfusion mismatch due to anatomical changes
This can lead to significant hypoxemia.
What are symptoms of respiratory failure?
- Dyspnoea
- Tachypnoea
- Use of accessory muscles in breathing
- Confusion + altered consciousness
- Cyanosis (severe cases only)
Symptoms may vary depending on underlying conditions.
What is the gold standard investigation for respiratory failure?
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
ABG provides critical information about oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
What does a blood test for respiratory failure typically check?
- Full Blood Count (FBC)
- D-dimer
- Troponin
- BNP
These tests help identify conditions like anaemia, pulmonary embolism, and heart failure.
What imaging techniques are used in the investigation of respiratory failure?
- Chest X-ray (CXR)
- Chest CT
These imaging methods help visualize lung pathology.
What is the first step in the management of respiratory failure?
A-E + immediate stabilisation
This includes assessing airway, breathing, and circulation.
What types of oxygen therapy are used in respiratory failure management?
- High flow nasal cannula (HFNC)
- Venturi mask
These devices help deliver oxygen effectively.
What is Non-invasive ventilation (NIV)?
A method of providing respiratory support without intubation
NIV can improve oxygenation and reduce CO2 levels.
What is Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)?
A form of life support that oxygenates blood outside the body
ECMO is used in severe respiratory failure cases.
Fill in the blank: The condition characterized by acute lung injury is called _______.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
ARDS can lead to significant respiratory failure.
