Oxygen Administration Decision Making

Oxygen Saturation

The measure of how much oxygen is being carried by the hemoglobin in the blood, usually expressed as a percentage.

Respiratory Distress

A condition characterized by difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing, indicating an underlying respiratory problem.

Respiratory Failure

A severe condition where the respiratory system fails to adequately exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Agonal Breathing

A pattern of breathing characterized by labored, gasping breaths that occur due to insufficient oxygen; not considered proper breaths.

Type 1 Respiratory Failure

Hypoxemic respiratory failure, characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood, often due to conditions like pneumonia or ARDS.

Type 2 Respiratory Failure

Hypercapnic respiratory failure, characterized by high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, commonly due to conditions like COPD.

Tidal Volume

The amount of air measured in milliliters that moves in or out of the lungs with each respiratory cycle.

Minute Volume

The total volume of air that is moved in and out of the lungs in one minute, calculated as respiratory rate times tidal volume.

Dead Air Space

Volume of air that is inhaled but does not participate in gas exchange, as it is trapped in areas of the respiratory system.

Pulse Pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin, often indicating low oxygen levels in the blood.

Hypoxemia

Low levels of oxygen in the blood, which can lead to cellular hypoxia and shock.

Skin Signs in Oxygen Need

Pale, cool, and clammy skin may indicate a need for oxygen as blood is shunted away from less vital areas.

Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs, as opposed to the exchange of gases.

Shock

A progressive state of cellular hypoperfusion where the circulatory system lacks sufficient pressure to deliver oxygen to all organs.

Chronic Respiratory Failure

Respiratory failure that develops gradually over time, often related to long-standing respiratory conditions.

Acute Respiratory Failure

A sudden and severe inability to breathe properly that can develop quickly.

Pulse Pressure Formula

Calculated by subtracting diastolic pressure from systolic pressure.