Acute Respiratory Failure and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to Acute Respiratory Failure and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, which will help students review critical information for their exam.

Acute Respiratory Failure

Not a disease, but a condition resulting from diseases involving the lungs or other body systems.

Hypoxemia

Insufficient oxygen transferred to the blood, characterized by low PaO2 levels.

Hypercapnia

Inadequate carbon dioxide removal, characterized by high PaCO2 levels.

Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

Also referred to as oxygenation failure, occurring when PaO2 is less than 60 mm Hg.

Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure

Also referred to as ventilatory failure, characterized by a PaCO2 above 50 mm Hg.

Right Ventricular Failure

Result of increased pulmonary vascular resistance due to prolonged hypoxemia and hypercapnia.

ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)

A clinical syndrome resulting from direct or indirect lung injury, causing severe respiratory failure.

Alveolar Hypoventilation

Reduced breathing that can lead to increased CO2 in the blood.

Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Mismatch

An imbalance in the distribution of air and blood flow in the lungs, leading to respiratory failure.

Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV)

A method used in mechanical ventilation to assist or replace spontaneous breathing.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to inadequate oxygenation.

Tachypnea

An abnormally rapid breathing rate.

Pulmonary Edema

Accumulation of fluid in the lungs, often a consequence of heart failure or ARDS.

Mechanical Restriction

Physical impairments that prevent normal lung expansion.

Hypoxic Injury

Tissue damage caused by a lack of adequate oxygen supply.

Diaphoresis

Excessive sweating, often associated with respiratory distress.