Causes of Hypoventilation

Question 1

What would the ABG show for Type 1 Respiratory Failure?

Answer 1

Pink Puffer

PO₂ low

PCO₂ normal (or low)

pH normal (or alkalosis)

HCO₃^- normal (or low)

Question 2

What is adjusted HCO₃^- in repsiratory failure suggestive of?

Answer 2

Chronic - compensation

Question 3

How would you treat Heroin-induced hypoventilation?

Answer 3

Heroin is an opiate (small pupils) → treat with Naloxone IV first for fast acting IM for slower, longer acting response

Question 4

Name two chest wall causes of respiratory failure.

Answer 4

Flail chest - broken ribs in more than one place produces a free segment

Chest wall deformity - kyphoscoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, thoracoplasty

Question 5

What would the FEV1 and FVC show for restrictive lung disease?

Answer 5

FEV1:FVC ratio would be normal/increased Should be about 0.8

Question 6

What would the FEV1 and FVC show for obstructive lung disease?

Answer 6

The FEV1 would decrease, with FVC staying the same. FEV1:FVC<0.8

Question 7

Name some restrictive causes of respiratory failure.

Answer 7

Ascites, obesity, cardiomegaly, myasthenia gravis

Lung disease: sarcoidosis, asbestosis

Pleural disease: effusion, trauma, pneuomothorax

Question 8

What would the ABG show for Type 2 Respiratory Failure?

Answer 8

PO₂ low

PCO₂ high

pH acidosis (or normal)

HCO₃^- high (or normal)