Respiratory Failure Quiz

Understanding Respiratory Failure

• Respiratory failure refers to the inability of the respiratory system to maintain adequate oxygen and/or carbon dioxide exchange.
• The criteria for respiratory failure in normal individuals are a PaO2 less than 60 mm Hg or a PaCO2 greater than 50 mm Hg.
• Respiratory failure is life-threatening and can result from virtually any respiratory disorder.
• There are six major anatomic alterations of the lungs that can cause respiratory failure: atelectasis, alveolar consolidation, increased alveolar-capillary membrane thickness, bronchospasm, excessive bronchial secretions, and distal airway and alveolar weakening.
• Respiratory failure is commonly classified as hypoxemic (type I), hypercapnic (type II), or a combination of both.
• Hypoxemic respiratory failure is characterized by inadequate oxygenation and typically demonstrates hypoxemia and a normal or low PaCO2 value.
• Hypercapnic respiratory failure is characterized by alveolar hypoventilation, resulting in an increase in PaCO2 and a decrease in PaO2 without supplemental oxygen.
• Hypercapnic respiratory failure is commonly called ventilatory failure and can be acute or chronic.
• Acute ventilatory failure is characterized by high PaCO2 and low pH, while chronic ventilatory failure is characterized by high PaCO2 and normal pH.
• Various respiratory disorders are associated with hypoxemic respiratory failure, including restrictive pulmonary disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, neoplastic disease, and newborn and early childhood respiratory disorders.
• Various respiratory disorders are associated with hypercapnic respiratory failure, including neuromuscular disorders, chest wall disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders.
• Treatment of respiratory failure depends on the underlying cause and may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, bronchodilators, and antibiotics.

Understanding Respiratory Failure

• Respiratory failure refers to the inability of the respiratory system to maintain adequate oxygen and/or carbon dioxide exchange.
• The criteria for respiratory failure in normal individuals are a PaO2 less than 60 mm Hg or a PaCO2 greater than 50 mm Hg.
• Respiratory failure is life-threatening and can result from virtually any respiratory disorder.
• There are six major anatomic alterations of the lungs that can cause respiratory failure: atelectasis, alveolar consolidation, increased alveolar-capillary membrane thickness, bronchospasm, excessive bronchial secretions, and distal airway and alveolar weakening.
• Respiratory failure is commonly classified as hypoxemic (type I), hypercapnic (type II), or a combination of both.
• Hypoxemic respiratory failure is characterized by inadequate oxygenation and typically demonstrates hypoxemia and a normal or low PaCO2 value.
• Hypercapnic respiratory failure is characterized by alveolar hypoventilation, resulting in an increase in PaCO2 and a decrease in PaO2 without supplemental oxygen.
• Hypercapnic respiratory failure is commonly called ventilatory failure and can be acute or chronic.
• Acute ventilatory failure is characterized by high PaCO2 and low pH, while chronic ventilatory failure is characterized by high PaCO2 and normal pH.
• Various respiratory disorders are associated with hypoxemic respiratory failure, including restrictive pulmonary disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, neoplastic disease, and newborn and early childhood respiratory disorders.
• Various respiratory disorders are associated with hypercapnic respiratory failure, including neuromuscular disorders, chest wall disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders.
• Treatment of respiratory failure depends on the underlying cause and may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, bronchodilators, and antibiotics.