Which ABG pattern indicates acute respiratory failure?

Which ABG pattern indicates acute respiratory failure?

• A. PaO2 ≤ 60 mmHg and PaCO2 ≥ 50 mmHg
• B. PaO2 ≥ 80 mmHg and PaCO2 ≤ 40 mmHg
• C. PaO2 ≤ 70 mmHg and PaCO2 ≤ 40 mmHg
• D. PaO2 ≥ 90 mmHg and PaCO2 ≥ 60 mmHg

Answer: (A)

Acute respiratory failure is when gas exchange is so compromised that oxygen levels fall and carbon dioxide builds up. The ABG pattern that shows PaO2 at 60 mmHg or lower and PaCO2 at 50 mmHg or higher reflects both hypoxemia and hypercapnia, indicating a failure of both oxygenation and ventilation. In this scenario, low oxygen tension means the blood isn’t getting enough oxygen, and high CO2 shows the lungs aren’t clearing it effectively. That combination is the hallmark of acute respiratory failure. Patterns with normal or high oxygen or with elevated CO2 but normal oxygen don’t demonstrate the simultaneous impairment in both oxygenation and ventilation.

Acute respiratory failure is when gas exchange is so compromised that oxygen levels fall and carbon dioxide builds up. The ABG pattern that shows PaO2 at 60 mmHg or lower and PaCO2 at 50 mmHg or higher reflects both hypoxemia and hypercapnia, indicating a failure of both oxygenation and ventilation. In this scenario, low oxygen tension means the blood isn’t getting enough oxygen, and high CO2 shows the lungs aren’t clearing it effectively. That combination is the hallmark of acute respiratory failure. Patterns with normal or high oxygen or with elevated CO2 but normal oxygen don’t demonstrate the simultaneous impairment in both oxygenation and ventilation.