Respiratory Failure Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards created from lecture notes on hypoxemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure, including diagnostic tests, treatment goals, and normal ABG values.

Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

An oxygenation or lung failure problem.

Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure

A ventilation or carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) problem.

Structural Dysfunction Causes

Impairment or dysfunction of structures responsible for ventilation.

Perfusion Problem Causes

A condition or disease resulting in hypoperfusion of the lungs.

Disease Examples of Respiratory Failure

COPD and cystic fibrosis.

Central Laboratory Test

ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases).

Diagnostic Testing Studies

Chest x-ray, CBC and electrolytes, blood, sputum, and urine cultures, thyroid function tests, pulmonary function tests, and ECG.

Major Treatment Goals

Correct hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis, and rest ventilatory muscles.

Treatment Support Methods

Oxygen and ventilatory support.

Hypercapnia Management

Treat the underlying cause, as support alone does not eliminate the disease or process causing impaired gas exchange.

Hypoxemia

A condition primarily involving a deficiency of oxygen gas.

Hypercapnia

An excess of carbon dioxide gas.

Respiratory Acidosis

An acid-base disorder that can develop with carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) retention.

Normal Arterial pH

$$7.35-7.45$$

Normal PaCO2

$$35-45\text{ mm Hg}$$

Normal HCO3-

$$22-26\text{ mEq/L}$$

Approximate Normal PaO2

$$80-100\text{ mm Hg}$$

Hypercapnic Failure ABG Pattern

Increased PaCO2, potentially with decreased pH from respiratory acidosis.