3 Acute Respiratory Failure Free Online FlashCards

What defines acute respiratory failure?

Acute respiratory failure occurs when the lungs cannot adequately oxygenate blood, remove carbon dioxide, or both.

What is hypoxemic respiratory failure?

Hypoxemic respiratory failure is failure of oxygenation, in which blood oxygen is inadequate.

How can pneumonia cause hypoxemic respiratory failure?

Pneumonia can inflame or fill alveoli, impair oxygen transfer, and cause hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Which findings can signal worsening respiratory failure?

Restlessness, confusion, tachypnea, diaphoresis, and accessory-muscle use can signal worsening hypoxemia or ventilatory fatigue.

What does pH $7.28$, $\mathrm{PaCO_2}=60$, and $\mathrm{HCO_3^-}=26$ suggest?

A pH of $7.28$ indicates acidemia, and $\mathrm{PaCO_2}=60\ \mathrm{mm\,Hg}$ points to a primary respiratory cause. Near-normal bicarbonate is consistent with limited renal compensation, as in an acute process.

What do pulse oximetry, an ABG, and chest imaging help evaluate?

Pulse oximetry detects hypoxemia; an arterial blood gas assesses oxygenation, ventilation, and acid–base status; chest imaging can help identify causes such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema.

Should needed oxygen be withheld because carbon dioxide is elevated?

Do not delay needed oxygen while awaiting test results. Administer and adjust oxygen to the prescribed target; elevated carbon dioxide alone is not a reason to withhold it.

When may noninvasive ventilation be appropriate in COPD exacerbation?

For selected alert, cooperative patients with COPD exacerbation and acute respiratory acidosis, noninvasive ventilation may support ventilation if there are no contraindications; reassess closely.

What should be done first when a ventilated patient suddenly becomes hypoxemic and distressed?

Assess the patient and airway, check oxygen delivery and ventilator connections, and call for immediate help while acting within scope and local protocol.

What is hypercapnic respiratory failure?

Hypercapnic respiratory failure is ventilatory failure: inadequate alveolar ventilation impairs carbon dioxide removal.

Name causes of hypoxemic respiratory failure besides pneumonia.

Pulmonary edema, atelectasis, pulmonary embolism, and acute respiratory distress syndrome can cause hypoxemia.

What can cause hypercapnic respiratory failure?

COPD exacerbation, sedatives or opioids, neuromuscular weakness, and respiratory muscle fatigue can impair ventilation and cause hypercapnia.