What it means
The breathing system fails at its job of gas exchange. In one type the oxygen level falls too low (a PaO2 under 60 mm Hg); in the other, carbon dioxide builds up (a PaCO2 over 50 mm Hg with acidic blood); many clients have both. It can come on fast, as with pneumonia, an overdose or injury, or slowly, as in COPD. Treatment ranges from oxygen to noninvasive ventilation or a breathing tube and ventilator.
For the nurse
Report rising breathing effort, a falling oxygen saturation, new confusion, restlessness or sleepiness right away. Keep the client upright when possible and have emergency airway equipment ready.
At a glance
| Spanish | insuficiencia respiratoria |
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Related terms
arterial blood gas
A blood test from an artery that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and the blood's pH.
mechanical ventilation
Breathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.
hypoxemia
A level of oxygen in the blood below normal.
respiratory acidosis
A state in which the blood becomes too acidic because the lungs do not remove enough carbon dioxide.