Type 1 Respiratory Failure Flashcards
What is Respiratory Failure?
Respiratory failure is inadequate gas exchange by the respiratory system, with the result that levels of arterial oxygen, carbon dioxide or both cannot be maintained within their normal ranges.
A drop in blood oxygenation is known as hypoxemia; a rise in arterial carbon dioxide levels is called hypercapnia.
What are the normal partial pressure reference values in the blood?
The normal partial pressure reference values are: oxygen PaO2 more than 80 mmHg (11 kPa), and carbon dioxide PaCO2 lesser than 45 mmHg (6.0 kPa).
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure?
Classification into type I or type II relates to the absence or presence of hypercapnia (excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream) respectively
What is type 1 respiratory failure?
Any significant obstruction of the upper airway caused by either:
- Fluid, blood or air in the pleural space
- Weakness or damage to the chest wall
- Damage to the brain or central respiratory control
What are the physiological abnormalities?
- Inadequate gas exchange by the respiratory system
- Arteriole oxygen levels can not be maintain in their normal ranges
- Hypoxaemia (an abnormally low concentration of oxygen in the blood)
What prior events can lead to type 1 respiratory failure?
A VQ mismatch- The volume of air flowing in and out of the lungs is not matched with the flow of blood to the lungs. Can be either way around.
What are the causes of a VQ Mismatch?
- Pulmonary Embolus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibrotic Lung Disease
- Pneumonia
- Emphysema
What are the clinical signs and symptoms?
- Dyspnoea
- Hypoxia
- Tachypnoea
What are the abnormalities to be expected in test results?
- PaO2 is markedly decreased (less than 8.0 kPa)
- Normal or low PaCO2 (less than 6.0 kPa)
- Ph Normal or increased
What are the medical and surgical interventions available?
- Identify and treat the underlying cause
- Oxygen therapy
