The function of the respiratory system is the delivery of oxygen to, and the elimination of carbon dioxide from, the blood. Any respiratory complication will, if uncorrected, lead to inadequate oxygenation (hypoxaemia) andlor retention of CO2 (hypercarbia), and these conditions must be readily recognised by recovery staff. The incidence of such problems is greater after lengthy anaesthesia and surgery.
Signs of Hypoxaemia1. Cyanosis. This may be difficult to detect in the presence of anaemia or poor peripheral perfusion. Reduced oxygen saturation is displayed on the oximeter. 2. Restlessness and confusion. This indicates impaired cerebral oxygenation. 3. Tachycardia followed by bradycardia.
Signs of Hypercarbia1. Tachycardia. 2. Hypertension. 3. Sweating. 4. Irregular pulse, especially pulsus bigeminus.5. Flushed skin owing to capillary vasodilation. (This may give a mistaken impression of well-being.) 6. Clouding of consciousness.The routine use of pulse oximeters is recommended as it allows hypoxaemia to be recognised early, before cyanosis develops. The diagnosis may be confirmed by taking a sample of arterial blood for blood gas analysis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.