respiratory insufficiency

Inadequate exchange of oxygen between the pulmonary alveoli & the blood in the pulmonary capillaries. Etiology: see dyspnea Clinical manifestations: -> dyspnea Laboratory: 1) arterial blood gas will show a) hypoxia b) hypercarbia may be present c) respiratory acidosis 2) serum bicarbonate may be high if time to allow metabolic compensation has elapsed Management: 1) treat underlying etiology 2) oxygen administration 3) mechanical ventilation may be indicated

References

Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999