Acute Respiratory Failure

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to acute respiratory failure, including definitions and characteristics of various related terms.

Acute Respiratory Failure

The inability of the respiratory system to maintain adequate gas exchange, leading to hypoxemia and hypercapnia.

Ventilation

Movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Diffusion of Gases

Movement of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) across the alveolar membrane.

Hypoxemia

PaO2 < 60 mmHg, indicating low oxygen levels in the blood.

Hypercapnia

PaCO2 > 50 mmHg with a pH < 7.30, indicating elevated carbon dioxide levels.

Chronic Respiratory Failure

Deterioration in gas exchange that develops over time or continues after an acute episode, often seen in conditions like COPD.

Ventilatory Failure

A problem with oxygen intake where CO2 is retained, leading to hypoxemia.

Oxygenation Failure

Condition where blood is not adequately oxygenated despite normal ventilation.

Work of Breathing

The total effort required to expand and contract the lungs.

Airway Resistance

The ease with which gas moves in and out of the lungs, affected by factors like bronchospasms and secretions.

Compliance

The ease of lung expansion; decreased compliance indicates stiffer lungs.

V/Q mismatch

A situation where ventilation is normal but perfusion is impaired, leading to oxygenation failure.

Endotracheal Tube (ETT)

A tube placed in the trachea to maintain an open airway during ventilation.

Intubation

The process of placing an artificial airway into the trachea.

Bronchodilator

Medication used to relax bronchial muscles in conditions such as asthma and COPD.

Capnography

Monitoring of the concentration of CO2 in exhaled air, used to assess tube placement.

Rapid Response Team

A team that provides immediate assistance for acute clinical situations.

Bipap

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, a form of non-invasive ventilation.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in the lungs, often a cause of oxygenation failure.

Dyspnea

Subjective experience of breathing discomfort or shortness of breath.