Question

interpret the following blood values: Paco2 50 mm Hg, Pao2 60 mm Hg, pH 7.3. What might be a cause of these values?

Answer 1

The above blood values indicates it is a case of Type 2 respiratory failure. This can be caused by two mechanisms either by Hypoventilation or by decreased respiratory effort

Causes of type 2 respiratory failure are broadly categorised under 4 headings

1. CENTRAL CAUSES this includes (a).Brainstem injury (b). Narcotic use

2.OBSTRUCTIVE CAUSES (a). Foreign body (b). Severe COPD

3.PERIPHERAL CAUSES (a). Neuro muscular disorders

4. DIAPHRAGMATIC CAUSE

TREATMENT:-

1st give oxygen + treatment of underlying cause

If not improving

Give mechanical ventilation