See also
Supplemental oxygen
Mechanical ventilation
Oxygenation
O2 problems, think shunt
Adequate if
SpO2 >= 90%
PaO2 >= 60 mmHg
Appropriate if
A-a (alveolar-arterial) gradient should normally be <10-20*
= PAO2 (estimated) - PaO2 (measured)
= FiO2 x 5 - PaO2 (measured)
e.g. 20 x 5 - 54 = 46 <--gradient is too low
*on room air normal gradient should be ~10
*on 100% FiO2, gradient should be ~100
Causes of a wide A-a gradient
Shunt, 2 main types
Intra-cardiac shunt
Intra-pulmonary shunt
AV fistula
Perfused but not ventilated alveoli
Atelectasis
PTX
Pleural effusion
Hypoventilation from pain
Perfused but fluid-filled alveoli
PNA
Pulmonary edema
Aspiration
Ventilation
Normal if
PaCO2 is ~40
pH balance
Normal pH is 7.4, investigate derangements
CO2 problems
Increased CO2 production
Increased metabolic activity
Shivering
Fever
Thyrotoxicosis
Seizures
NMS
Malignant hyperthermia
Increased carbohydrate intake
Decreased CO2 elimination
Increased dead space
Shallow breathing
Apnea
CO2 rebreathing