Final answer:
Respiratory failure is a condition where the respiratory system fails to adequately exchange gases. It is assessed through blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and is treated with mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, or in the case of RDS, pulmonary surfactant. Respiratory therapists are crucial in managing such conditions, using advanced equipment and comprehensive care approaches.
Step-by-step explanation:
Respiratory failure is defined as a condition where the respiratory system fails in one or both of its gas exchange functions: oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination. In the context of diseases of the respiratory system, such as Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), the lungs cannot perform adequate gas exchange, leading to low blood oxygen levels and potential buildup of carbon dioxide.
To assess respiratory failure, health professionals monitor the patient's blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, respiratory rate, and use other diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays and blood gas analysis. Treatment options vary depending on the cause but often include support with mechanical ventilation, delivery of supplemental oxygen, or, in the case of RDS in premature infants, administration of pulmonary surfactant to lower surface tension within the alveoli. Respiratory therapists play a key role in assessing and managing patients with respiratory failure, often employing advanced equipment and working as part of a medical team.
Other treatments for respiratory failure may involve addressing underlying conditions like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or infections. Supportive care such as nutritional support, antibiotics, and temperature regulation can also be essential components of managing respiratory failure effectively.