Respiratory failure

Abstract 

Type I respiratory failure is defined as the failure to maintain an arterial partial pressure of oxygen >8 kPa whilst breathing air at normal atmospheric pressure. Ventilatory or Type II respiratory failure refers to hypercarbia (an arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide >6.5 kPa) in the presence of Type I respiratory failure. This article discusses the clinical presentation and management of respiratory failure in the perioperative period.

Keywords: acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, carbon dioxide, continuous positive airway pressure, hypercarbia, hypoxia, lung function, oxygenation, positive pressure ventilation, respiratory failure, ventilation