Acute Respiratory Failure Overview

A sudden, life-threatening lung problem causing low oxygen and high carbon dioxide in the blood.

Low blood oxygen levels.

High blood carbon dioxide levels.

ARF type focused on oxygen delivery problems.

ARF type with problems removing carbon dioxide.

Insufficient amount of oxygen in the lungs.

Problem with the flow of blood and air in the lungs.

Blood bypassing parts of the lungs that are not able to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently.

Low blood oxygen levels caused by insufficient breathing, often due to extrapulmonary problems.

Uneven distribution of ventilation and blood flow in the lungs, leading to hypoxemia.

Blood reaches the heart without participating in gas exchange, lowering blood oxygen levels.

Reduced gas exchange across the thin membrane separating alveoli and capillaries, causing hypoxemia.

A blockage in a large airway, hindering airflow and potentially causing respiratory failure.

Conditions affecting the airways that restrict airflow and contribute to respiratory distress.

Lung tissue (parenchyma) damage leading to reduced gas exchange and respiratory failure.

Sudden damage to the lung tissue, often leading to fluid buildup and reduced oxygen intake.

Fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart problems.

Air in the pleural space (around the lung), causing lung collapse.

Respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Low levels of oxygen in the blood.

High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Shortness of breath.

Factors increasing the chance of respiratory problems.

Symptoms outside of the lungs. A symptom located outside of the lungs.

Diagnosing ARF requires blood gas analysis (ABG) to measure PaO2, PaCO2, and blood pH.

ARF treatment focuses on fixing gas exchange problems and the underlying cause. This may involve intubation and mechanical ventilation for severe cases.

Continuous pulse oximetry or SpO2 monitoring every hour is crucial to track oxygen levels in ARF patients.

Uncorrected carbon dioxide in the blood leads to decreased awareness, disorientation, increased brain pressure, and loss of consciousness.

Multiple tests, like blood work (electrolytes, CBC), urine analysis, imaging (x-ray, CT), and pulmonary function tests, help determine the cause of ARF.

Impaired gas exchange in ARF is due to problems with oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal.

This ARF diagnosis applies when excessive mucus or thick mucus prevents proper airway clearance, hindering breathing.

This ARF nursing diagnosis applies to patients experiencing problems with breathing patterns due to muscle weakness or nerve issues.

Allowing rest periods between demanding activities like coughing, physiotherapy, and suctioning to prevent patient fatigue.

Prioritizing fats over carbohydrates for patients to reduce carbon dioxide production.

Using analgesics to relieve pain to prevent hypoventilation and atelectasis which are serious problems.

Evaluating a patient's ability to communicate, including understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Collaboration with physicians to administer drugs like sedatives, neuromuscular blockers, bronchodilators, mucolytics/expectorants, antibiotics, and reversal agents to manage respiratory conditions.

Evaluate the color, consistency, and amount of sputum (phlegm) to assess potential respiratory infections or other issues.

Identifying clinical signs and symptoms associated with lung infection (pneumonia).

Adjusting patient posture to support effective breathing and gas exchange.

Providing extra oxygen to improve blood oxygen levels.

Patient positioned upright to optimize breathing.

Techniques to help clear lung secretions.

Supporting the patient to ensure adequate breathing.

Using a machine to assist with breathing in compromised situations.