Complications of Respiratory Failure, August 10, 1999

Complications of Respiratory Failure, August 10, 1999

During respiratory failure, impaired gas exchange and ventilation function, coupled with a drop in pH, lead to the following five pathological changes:

① Spasm of systemic capillaries, DIC, heart failure, and renal failure.

② Hypercapnia, respiratory acidosis, and pulmonary encephalopathy.

③ Metabolic disorders: accumulation of acidic metabolic products, leading to metabolic acidosis and coma.

④ Electrolyte disturbances: increased extracellular K^+^ and intracellular Na^+^. The former causes arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, while the latter leads to cellular edema and cerebral edema.

⑤ Increased gastric acid, stress ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. In summary, respiratory failure represents a critical condition, and if resuscitation is inadequate, these five complications will follow one after another, posing a severe threat to life. In fact, the late stage of shock also manifests these five aspects.