Acute respiratory failure

Acute respiratory failure

Causes

· pulmonary contusion

· underlying lung condition

· aspiration

· ARDS (sepsis)

Treatment

· supportive

· correction of underlying cause

Infection

Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity following major thoracic procedures. Source is usually related to colonisation by bacteria coming from the oropharynx and the alimentary tract

Treatment

· empirical antibiotics (Kefzol) from time of surgery until UWSDs removed

· sputum C&S if T > 38 ° C

Inadequate nutrition

Following thoracic surgery gastric stasis is not uncommon and aspiration carries a

> 80 % mortality

· maintain oxygen therapy during meals with nasal oxygen

· offer small frequent meals

· ensure patient is upright and preferably sitting out of bed for meals

· treat nausea with antiemetics