Respiratory Failure

Question 1

What is type 1 respiratory failure?

Answer 1

Hypoxaemia without hypercapnoea

Question 2

What is type 2 respiratory failure?

Answer 2

Hypoxaemia with hypercapnoea

Question 3

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure?

Answer 3

Type 1: failure of oxygenation (low V/Q is common cause)
Type 2: failure of ventilation (e.g. obstructive disorders)
Type 1 can progress to type 2 following respiratory muscle fatigue

Question 4

List some common causes of type 1 respiratory failure

Answer 4

High altitude
V/Q mismatch (e.g. PE)
Hypoventilation
Abnormality of A-C membrane
Shunt

Question 5

List some common causes of type 2 respiratory failure

Answer 5

Obstruction
Reduced breathing effort (e.g. drug-induced)
Decreased SA for gas exchange (e.g. chronic bronchitis)
Neuromuscular problems
Chest wall abnormalities (e.g. flail chest)