Respiratory Illness in Critical Care

Which of the following is the primary indication for oxygen therapy?

Which of the following is the goal of oxygen therapy?

What is the unit of measurement for volume of gas?

Which of the following is a low-flow system for oxygen delivery?

Which of the following is a complication of oxygen therapy?

What happens to the alveoli when oxygen replaces nitrogen in the alveoli?

Which of the following is a high-flow system for oxygen delivery?

What is the maximum flow rate for low-flow systems such as nasal cannula?

Which complication can occur if a patient receives more than 50% FIO2 for more than 24 hours?

Which of the following is the unit of measurement for pressure of gas?

What is the primary indication for oxygen therapy?

What is the goal of oxygen therapy in terms of PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood) and SaO2 (oxygen saturation)?

Which of the following is the unit of measurement for pressure of gas?

What is the goal of oxygen therapy?

Oxygen Therapy Overview

Primary indication for oxygen therapy is to treat hypoxemia, a condition with insufficient oxygen in the bloodstream.
The goal of oxygen therapy is to achieve an adequate partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) and maintain oxygen saturation (SaO2) above 90%.
Compliance refers to the ability of the lungs to expand and contract, reflecting lung flexibility and health.

Measurement Units

Volume of gas is measured in liters (L).
Pressure of gas is measured in atmospheres (atm) or millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Oxygen Delivery Systems

Low-flow systems for oxygen delivery include nasal cannulas and simple face masks, typically providing oxygen concentrations less than 50%.
High-flow systems provide consistent oxygen concentrations and include devices like Venturi masks or high-flow nasal cannula systems.

Flow Rates and Complications

Maximum flow rate for low-flow systems, such as nasal cannula, is generally around 6-8 liters per minute (L/min).
Complications from oxygen therapy include oxygen toxicity, especially if a patient receives more than 50% FiO2 for more than 24 hours, leading to potential lung damage.
Replacement of nitrogen in alveoli with oxygen can lead to alveolar collapse or atelectasis due to changes in pressure dynamics.

Summary of Critical Points

Oxygen therapy is essential in managing respiratory conditions with hypoxemia.
Proper monitoring of oxygen levels and flow rates is crucial to minimize complications and ensure patient safety.

Test your knowledge on respiratory illness in the critical care setting with this quiz. Learn about basic principles of ventilator support, interpretation of arterial blood gases, and the management of respiratory failure, acute lung injury, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.