MED SURG 403 - Care of Critically ill Patients with Respiratory Problems Outline.

MED SURG 403 - Care of Critically ill Patients with Respiratory Problems Outline. (PE, ARF, ARDS, Mechanical Ventilation). • Rapid onset of respiratory problem • Chronic respiratory problems are more common, acute problems do arise that can interfere with GAS EXCHANGE and tissue PERFUSION to such a degree that death can occur quickly. • These problems effect the cardiac system by forcing the heart to work harder to compensate for lung-related impairment of gas exchange. • Thus, prompt recognition and interventions are needed to prevent serious complications and death. • Such emergencies include pulmonary embolism, acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and chest trauma. The emergent nature of these problems and the potential for fatal outcomes present challenges in caring for these critically ill patients.