Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Adults Respiratory Failure - Coggle Diagram
Adults Respiratory Failure
Why does respiratory failure occur?
The respiratory system deteriorates due to impaired gas exchange this is the inability to oxygenate and inability to eliminate carbon dioxide.
ABG
Key ABG patterns
Type 1 Respiratory Failure (Hypoxemia) ↓ PaO₂, normal/low PaCO₂
Type 2 Respiratory Failure (Hypercapnia) ↑ PaCO₂, ↓ pH (if acute
PaO2
PaO2
Measured by arterial blood gas - invasive
Provides exact measurement of oxygen levels
A reading below 8 Kpa is defined as hypoxaemia.
PaCO2 Normal range 4.5-6.0 kPa
PaO2 Normal range 11 -14 kPa
Types of resp failure
Types of Respiratory Failure
Type 1 is defined as failure to oxygenate (hypoxemia) and is the most common type of failure.
Type 2 is defined as a failure to ventilate causing high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), patient in type 2 failure will have both hypoxaemia and hypercapnia.
Positioning to improving breathing
Positioning to improve breathing
Upright, 45-90°) – Best for most patients.
Tripod Position (leaning forward with arms on knees) – Helps COPD patients.
Prone Positioning (chest down, face to side) – Used in ARDS to improve oxygenation - improves V/Q matching
Monitoring and Escalating
Monitor & Escalate Care
Continuous Monitoring: SpO₂, RR, HR, BP, ABGs, and mental status.
Signs of deterioration (e.g., increasing C
Non - Invasive ventilation
Non invasive ventilation
CPAP
BIPAP
IPAP
Escalate Ventilatory Support If Needed
For Type 1 Respiratory Failure (Hypoxemia, PaO₂ < 60 mmHg): Increase oxygen therapy, Consider high-flow nasal cannula and if severe/refractory hypoxemia → Prepare for intubation
For Type 2 Respiratory Failure (Hypercapnia, PaCO₂ > 45 mmHg): Start BiPAP (Non-Invasive Ventilation) if RR, 5, PaCO₂ rising, or pH <7.35
First Actions
First actions with Respiratory Failure
Airway - patent, clear of obstruction, any audibles nosies.
Breathing - Rate, Depth, Pattern, accessory muscle, cyanosis, asulate lungs, monitor pulse oximetry.
Circulation - HR, BP, Temperature, signs of shock and obtain IV access
ABG;s
ABG’s
ABGs are important in the diagnosis of respiratory failure
Arterial blood gases are necessary in critically ill patients to assess oxygenation and ventilation (Resuscitation Council 2016)
ABGs will diagnose type 1 or type 2 respiratory failure