Definition
Respiratory failure Type 1 PaO2 < 8kPa (Hypoxia)
Type 2 PaO2 < 8kPa + PaCO2 > 6kPa (Hypoxia + Hypercapnia)
Aetiology
V/Q mismatch
Arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation Vascular PE, pulmonary shunt, PHTN
1. How is the patient? Pneumothorax
2. Is the patient hypoxic? Atelectasis
PaO2 should be > 10kPa Alveolar hypoventilation
Obstructive COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, bronchitis
3. Is the patient acidotic (pH < 7.35) /alkalotic? (pH > Restrictive reduced drive, NMD, chest MSK, fluid, fibrosis
7.45) Diffusion failure
4. Respiratory component? Fluid pulmonary oedema, pneumonia, infarction, blood
PaCO2 > 6kPa respiratory acidosis/ respiratory Fibrosis
compensation for metabolic alkalosis Can lead to V/Q mismatch + alveolar hypoventilation due to reduced
compliance
PaCO2 < 4.7kPa respiratory alkalosis/ respiratory Hypoperfusion increased vascular resistance/vasoconstrict to try
compensation for metabolic acidosis shunt blood to an area of better exchange widespread
5. Metabolic component? vasoconstriction pulmonary HTN RVH = Cor pulmonale
HCO3- < 22mmol/ base excess < -2mmol/l
Signs + symptoms
metabolic acidosis/ renal compensation for respiratory
Wheeze, crackles
alkalosis Hypoxia
HCO3- > 26mmol metabolic alkalosis/ renal o Acute Agitation Breathlessness Confusion Drowsiness
compensation for respiratory acidosis o Chronic Polycythaemia PHTN Cor pulmonale
COPD = chronic Hypercapnia respiratory acidosis Hypercapnia
baseline HCO3- higher o A flapping tremor Bounding pulse Cyanosis
Mx
Type 1 O2 (maintain 94-98%) assisted ventilation if PaO2 <8kPa despite
Oxygen therapy 60% O2
Principles: critically ill? Increase [O2] immediately CPAP: Type 1/cardiogenic pulmonary oedema prevents
Target SpO2: 94-98% (Normal) 88-92% (@ risk/hypercapnic) alveolar collapse
Mechanisms Type 2 Controlled O2 therapy @ 24% aiming for 88-92% + PaO2 >8kPa
Check ABG after 20 mins
Nasal prongs 1-4L = 24-40% O2
If PaCO2 normal/reduced Increase FiO2
Simple facemask If PaCO2 increased by > 1.5kPa Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) e.g.
Non-rebreathe mask reservoir bag allows delivery of BIPAP/resp stimulant e.g. Doxapram
high [O2] 60-90% at 10-15L BIPAP: Type 2/COPD/sleep apnoea
Venturi mask Precise [O2] at high flow rates IPAP: 4-5cm H2O
EPAP: 12-15cm H2O
Yellow (5%) White (8%) Blue (24%) Red (40%) Green
(60%)
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Noteorious. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $3.87. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.