nullDiagnosis and Management of Acute Respiratory FailureDiagnosis and Management of Acute Respiratory FailureARF * ®ObjectivesObjectivesDefine and classify acute respiratory failure
Describe pathophysiology of acute respiratory failure
Discuss clinical manifestations
Review oxygen supplementation strategies
Discuss noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation
ARF * ®Acute Respiratory FailureAcute Respiratory FailureHypoxemic
Room air PaO2 50 torr (6.7 kPa)
Hypercapnic
PaCO2 50 torr (6.7 kPa)
Acute vs chronic
–Pathophysiology of HypoxemiaPathophysiology of HypoxemiaVentilation/perfusion mismatch
Shunt effect
Decreased diffusion of O2
Alveolar hypoventilation
High altitude
Pathophysiology of HypercapniaPathophysiology of HypercapniaDecreased tidal volume and/or respiratory rate
Inability to sense elevated PaCO2
Inability to signal effector mechanisms
Inability to effect a response from respiratory musclesIncreased Dead SpaceIncreased Dead SpaceHypovolemia
Low cardiac output
Pulmonary embolus
High airway pressures
Short-term compensation by increasing tidal volume and/or respiratory rateManifestations of Respiratory DistressManifestations of Respiratory DistressAltered mental status
Increased work of breathing
Tachypnea
Accessory muscle use, retractions, paradoxical breathing pattern
Catecholamine release
Tachycardia, diaphoresis, hypertension
Abnormal arterial blood gas values
ARF * ®Acute Respiratory Failure ManagementAcute Respiratory Failure ManagementOxygen supplementation
Increase FIO2
Match flow between delivery device and inspiratory demand
High- vs. low-oxygen systems
High- vs. low-flow systemsARF * ®Nasal CannulaNasal Cannula100% oxygen delivered
Low flow
<0.5–5.0 L/min
Low oxygen
FIO2 <0.4–0.5Air-Entrainment Face Mask
Air-Entrainment Face Mask
100% O2 + entrainment device
High flow
Variable oxygen
FIO2 0.24–0.5Aerosol Face Mask
Aerosol Face Mask
100% O2 + large-bore tubing
Nebulizer/O2 blender
Flow matching
If mist disappears in inspiration, air is entrained
Moderate-flow, variable FIO2 deviceReservoir Face Mask
Reservoir Face Mask
Reservoir bag filled with 100% O2
High oxygen
High flow Resuscitation Bag-Mask-Valve DeviceResuscitation Bag-Mask-Valve Device100% O2
High flow (> 15 L/min)
Emergency equipment
Little to no air entrainment with firm fit Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NPPV)Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NPPV)Ventilatory assistance with controlled FIO2
Unilevel or bilevel pressure support
Nasal or face mask
Volume or pressure-cycled ventilator
Most effective with alert, oriented and cooperative patient
Successful in hypoxemic and hypercapnic failure ARF * ®Relative Contraindications for NPPVRelative Contraindications for NPPVDecreased level of consciousness
Poor airway protective reflexes
Copious secretions
Cardiovascular instability
Progressive pulmonary decompensation
Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhageARF * ®Initiation of NPPVInitiation of NPPVSet FIO2 at 1.00
Hypoxemic failure
Inspiratory pressure (IPAP) 10 cm H2O
Expiratory pressure (EPAP) 5 cm H2O
Titrate EPAP in 2 cm H2O increments
Ventilatory failure
IPAP 10 and EPAP 2 cm H2O
Titrate IPAP in 2 cm H2O incrementsInitiation of NPPVInitiation of NPPVMake changes every 15-30 minutes
Monitor vital signs, appearance, pulse oximetry and blood gases
Head of bed at 45 angle
Consider gastric decompression
Intubation if patient deteriorates
Pharmacologic Adjuncts Pharmacologic AdjunctsBronchodilators
2-agonists
Anticholinergics (ipratropium)
Corticosteroids
Theophylline
Antibiotics
Key PointsKey Points