RT Book, Section
A1 Braman, Sidney
A1 Feinsilver, Steven H.
A2 Go, Ronaldo Collo
SR Print(0)
ID 1160186250
T1 Hypercarbic Respiratory Failure
T2 Critical Care Examination and Board Review
YR 2019
FD 2019
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9781259834356
LK accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1160186250
RD 2024/04/19
AB The  main  function  of  the  lung  is  gas  exchange:  the  elimination  of  carbon  dioxide  (CO2)  and  the  delivery  of  oxygen  (O2)  to  the  tissues.  When  either  function  is  impaired,  the  result  is  respiratory  failure.  Hypercarbic  respiratory  failure  is  a  consequence  of  and  is  in  direct  proportion  to  a  reduction  of  alveolar  ventilation.  Since  the  third  major  alveolar  gas,  nitrogen  (N),  is  inert,  any  increase  in  CO2  is  accompanied  by  a  reduction  of  O2,  unless  supplemental  oxygen  is  provided.  When  there  is  an  acute  or  rapid  reduction  of  alveolar  ventilation,  the  result  is  acute  respiratory  acidosis.  At  other  times,  chronic  respiratory  failure  can  result  from  chronic  lung  disease,  chest  wall  disease,  or  an  abnormal  respiratory  control  of  ventilation.  With  such  patients,  there  is  often  compensation  of  the  hypercarbic  respiratory  failure  and  the  acidosis  may  be  corrected.  This  chapter  will  discuss  the  physiology  of  hypercarbic  respiratory  failure  and  describe  clinical  scenarios  associated  with  hypercarbia  and  their  associated  management.