Respiratory Failure

Question 1

Define type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure

Answer 1

TYPE 1

• HYPOXIA (<8kPa) + Normal/Low CO2 (<6.0kPa)

TYPE 2

• HYPOXIA (<8kPa) + HYPERCAPNIA (>6.0kPa)

Question 2

PATHOLOGY: Respiratory Failure

Answer 2

Hypoxaemia caused by:

• Hypoventilation
• Ventilation-perfusion mismatch
• Shunting
• Decreased in inspired O2

Question 3

CAUSES: Respiratory Failure

Answer 3

Both

• COPD (severe II)
• Asthma (severe II)

Type I

• Pneumothorax
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Obesity

Type II

• Drug overdose (opiates)
• Muscular disorders
  
  • myasthenia gravis
  • Duchenne’s
  • Guillan-Barre syndrome
• CNS injury

Question 4

MANAGEMENT: Respiratory Failure

Answer 4

Treat underlying cause

1. Adminster high flow oxygen

• 15L/min non-rebreather mask
• Target acutely ill: 94-98%
• Traget COPD: 88-92%

2. Administer assisted ventilation

3. Administer mechanical ventilation