Teaching Pearls:
Acute hypoxic respiratory failure involves an inability to maintain adequate oxygenation for tissues or an inadequate removal of carbon dioxide from tissues. It may result from V/Q mismatch, shunt, hypoventilation, diffusion limitation, or low inspired oxygen tension.
It is more common among men than women but is more likely in individuals with pre-existing pulmonary or cardiac conditions such as COPD, pneumonia, PE, or CHF.
It most commonly presents as shortness of breath and is oftentimes associated with tachycardia, fatigue, or heart palpitations.
From a diagnostic standpoint, acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is defined by PaO2 less than 60 mm Hg or SaO2 less than 88%.
A common treatment involves cardiac catheterization and the placement of stents, which was the case in terms of this patient. Following treatment, patients are recommended to undergo cardiac rehabilitation two to three times a week for 12 to 18 weeks beginning about a month after surgery or a cardiac event. The treatment consists of light aerobic exercises, nutrition changes, and other lifestyle recommendations.
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