NRSG 3420 - Exam 2 Study Guide.

NRSG 3420 - Exam 2 Study Guide/NRSG 3420 - Exam 2 Study Guide. What is respiratory failure-The sudden and life-threatening deterioration of gas exchange (inability to exchange CO2 and O2 at the alveolar level). Pts w/ ARF are always hypoxic and will require supplemental O2. If the PaCO2 is chronically 50 mmHg, then the low PaO2 becomes the primary drive for respiration and O2 should be administered w/ EXTREME CAUTION. The Goal is to maintain O2 sat btwn 90-92% ABG analysis is used to evaluate and diagnose RF It is important to distinguish btwn acute and chronic respiratory failure. Chronic RF: Occurs when the deterioration of gas exchange has happened insidiously or has persisted for a long time The absence of acute symptoms and the presence of compensation an increase bicarbonate suggests that RF is chronic. The two main causes of CRF are: COPD and neuromuscular