The respiratory system oxygenates and eliminates carbon dioxide from venous blood. Thus, a useful classification of respiratory failure is whether the principal abnormality is
Inadequate carbon dioxide elimination (which means inadequate ventilation Ventilatory Failure Ventilatory failure is a rise in PaCO2 (hypercapnia) that occurs when the respiratory load can no longer be supported by the strength or activity of the system. The most common causes are severe... read more )
Many disorders affect both. Although temporizing measures exist, respiratory failure frequently necessitates invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation Overview of Mechanical Ventilation Mechanical ventilation can be Noninvasive, involving various types of face masks Invasive, involving endotracheal intubation Selection and use of appropriate techniques require an understanding... read more .