Oxygenation: Respiratory Failure and ARDS Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the lecture on oxygenation, focusing specifically on respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). They are designed to assist students in their understanding and preparation for exams.

What are the learning outcomes for the NUR 202 course regarding Oxygenation concepts?

To relate pathophysiology, assess findings, prioritize nursing diagnoses, describe management, discuss therapies, identify evidence-based practices, integrate cultural competence, and develop care plans.

What characterizes respiratory failure?

Blood gas abnormalities, including hypoxemia and hypercapnia.

What is the normal range for arterial blood gases (ABGs)?

pH 7.35-7.45, PaO2 80-100 mmHg, PaCO2 35-45 mmHg, HCO3 22-26 mEq/L.

What defines respiratory failure in terms of blood gas values?

PaO2 ≤ 60 mm Hg or PaCO2 >50 mm Hg with acidemia (pH < 7.35) and SaO2 < 90%.

What is always true about a patient in acute respiratory failure?

The patient is always hypoxemic with low arterial blood oxygen levels.

What is the hallmark symptom of respiratory failure?

Dyspnea, or perceived difficulty breathing.

What is orthopnea?

Finding it easier to breathe in a sitting position.

What are collaborative interventions for a patient in respiratory failure?

O2 therapy, positioning for comfort, reducing anxiety, minimizing energy expenditure, and administering medications.

What is ventilatory failure?

A problem affecting oxygen intake and blood delivery, causing V/Q mismatch.

List two intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary causes of ventilatory failure.

Intrapulmonary: COPD, pneumothorax. Extrapulmonary: neuromuscular disorders, CNS dysfunction.

What occurs in a ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch?

Normal perfusion but inadequate ventilation, leading to hypoxemia.

What is oxygenation failure?

When chest pressures are normal but oxygenation of pulmonary blood is insufficient.

List one common cause of oxygenation failure.

Smoke inhalation or pneumonia.

What is the most common cause of Acute Lung Injury (ALI)?

Shock, trauma, or sepsis, among others.

List two indicators of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Persistent hypoxemia despite 100% oxygen and decreased pulmonary compliance.

What is the nursing priority for patients at high risk for ARDS?

Early recognition of at-risk patients.

Which system should you assess first in a patient at risk for ARDS?

The respiratory system.

How is ARDS diagnosed?

Based on a lowered PaO2 value and progressively higher oxygen needs that don't respond to O2.

What is the major intervention for a patient with ARDS?

Intubation and mechanical ventilation.

List two collaborative problems for a patient with ARDS.

Pulmonary edema and oxygen toxicity.

What are the two most frequent modes of nutritional therapy for patients with ARDS?

TPN and tube feeding.

What is the goal of mechanical ventilation?

To provide gas exchange and decrease the work of breathing.

What are major nursing assessment responsibilities while caring for a patient on a mechanical ventilator?

Monitor patient responses, assess VS and breath sounds, and check ETT placement.

What is Assist Control (AC) ventilation?

A mode where the patient triggers breaths and the ventilator delivers preset tidal volume.

What does Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV) allow?

Allows the patient to breathe spontaneously between ventilator breaths.

What is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?

A mode providing continuous airway pressure throughout the respiratory cycle.

What is Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP)?

Pressure applied at the end of expiration to keep alveoli open.