Respiratory Failure Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Respiratory Failure - Research Paper ExampleIt is important to note that respiratory mishap occurs when the ability to take up oxygen or eliminate carbon dioxide is largely impaired. The cessation of these active processes indicates the severity of the uncomplainings condition, which results in mechanical interventions to sustain life (Hu et al, 2009). The use of medical interventions such as mechanical ventilation is subject to debate based on the ethical character of the application. Opponents and proponents alike present heavy and valid arguments to oppose or support their position. With this in mind, this paper seeks to explore various aspects of respiratory failure include pathophysiological changes in the affected organs. Moreover, the paper explores ethical issues surrounding the use of mechanical intervention to restore respiratory functions to the affected patient. As already established, respiratory failure occurs undermentioned the incapacitation of one or both of the g as-exchanging processes that is oxygenation of venous blood and/or removal of carbon dioxide. Respiratory failure may be acute or degenerative where the clinical presentation of each is different. Acute respiratory failure is usually characterised by life-threatening levels in blood gases resulting imbalanced acid-base status while chronic respiratory failure is more passive and bears unapparent clinical manifestations. Numerous underlying factors contribute to respiratory failure with each part of the body formation resulting in a distinct type of failure. In essence, failure of the lungs owing to pneumonia, emphysema among other lung diseases, results in hypoxemia or type I respiratory failure. Similarly, failure of respiratory controllers such as the chest wall and muscles leads to hypoventilation and hypercapnia or type II respiratory failure. The two conditions may coexist as illustrated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe pulmonary oedema, or asth ma. Owing to numerous underlying factors that contribute to respiratory failure, the condition has emerged among the major causes of illness and cobblers last in the United States. The high prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions serves to enhance the risk of respiratory failure, which in turn leads to loss of productivity and shortened lives. However, it has been baffling to define mortality rates related to respiratory failure since the underlying conditions are indicated in such cases. The effects of chronic diseases become widespread often earlier, and can be felt as strain to a countrys economic development, which affects the low and middle income countries because chronic disease creates a ingeminate burden besides infectious diseases. Increased prevalence of chronic diseases is seen as an underlying cause of poverty, which hinders development in most countries. According to World wellness Organization (WHO), approximately 16 million deaths occur each year in people u nder the age of 70, which the working and income-generating class. This nullifies the notion that only the older are affected. Hypothetical Scenario A patient complains of heightened fatigue and shortness of breath after undertaking in relatively light duties. The patient indicated no respiration problems while at rest. However, the patient was not well rested following a nights sleep and the morning were characterised by persistent headaches. diligents history illustrated a severe trauma to the head and chest in a car accident a few years ago. The patient also indicated that he was a moderate smoker taking less than a pack a day.