nurse's notes

RESPIRATORY FAILURE - exist whenever the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs accommodate with the body tissue metabolic rate of the oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.

HYPOXEMIA-lack of oxygen in the blood

HYPERCAPNEA- - accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• cyanosis-bluish discoloration of the skin, nail beds and mucous membrane caused by reduce oxygen in the blood
  
• tachycardia- abnormally rapid pulse rate, more than 1oo beats per minute
  
• bradycardia-abnormally slow pulse rate, lees than 60 beats per minute
• hypotension- low blood pressure
• dyspnea- difficulty of breathing or labored breathing
  
• restlessness
• irritable
• coma

• pre-oprerative preventive measure as the administration of aerosol, intermittent positive pressure breathing
• prequent repositioning of patient when he is in prolonged stay in bed
• respiratory therapy: maintaining clear airway, humidity and nebulization therapy, oxygen therapy