Hypoxaemia
Original Editor - Adam Vallely Farrell
Top Contributors - Adam Vallely Farrell, Lucinda hampton, Abbey Wright, Kim Jackson, Rishika Babburu and Chelsea Mclene
Respiratory Failure[edit | edit source]
Respiratory failure is demonstrated in arterial blood gas (ABG) tensions. Type I respiratory failure is defined as PaO2 <8.0kPa with a normal or lowered PaCO2. Type II respiratory failure (ventilatory failure) is defined as PaO2 <8.0kPa and a PaCO2 >6.0kPa. Acute respiratory failure is related to respiratory distress, with increased work of breathing and deranged gas exchange. It may occur with or without the presence of excessive pulmonary secretions and/or sputum retention., and is not necessarily related to a primary respiratory problem, e.g. neurological problems may be related to respiratory depression, hypoventilation, reduced level of consciousness and inability to protect the airway. Cough depression and risk of aspiration are a serious concern. Unrecognised respiratory failure leads to;
- respiratory muscle fatigue
- hypoventilation
- sputum retention
- Decreased O2 (hypoxaemia)
Acute assessment to establish the underlying cause is imperative as, if left untreated, it may progress to any or all of the following;
- cardiac arrhytmia
- cerebral hypoxaemia
- respiratory acidosis
- coma
- cardiorespiratory arrest
Thus, timely recognition and treatment of respiratory failure is of the utmost importance and a serious part of a patients care.
Hypoxaemia (Type 1 Respiratory Failure)[edit | edit source]
Classification and Causes of Hypoxaemia[edit | edit source]
Hypoxic hypoxaemia
Ischaemic hypoxaemia
Anaemic hypoxaemia
Toxic hypoxaemia
