HYPOXIA AND ABNORMAL RESPIRATORY RHYTHMS

Terms Related to Hypoxia

• Respiratroy Insufficiency, inability of the lungs to maintain normal arterial bloods gas levels when the individual is breathing 21% oxygen (at sea level)
  
• Hyperpnea, excessively high rate of alveolar ventilation
• Hypopnea, low rate of alveolar ventilation, that is, underrespiration
• Hypocarbia (hypocapnia), depressed blood carbondioxide level
• Acapnia, absence of carbonedioxide in the blood (this state is incompatible with life)

Signs of Hypoxia

• Increased rapid pulse
• Rapid, shallow respirations and dyspnea
• Increased restlessness or lightheadedness
• Flaring of the nares
• Substernal or intercostal retractions
• Cyanosis
  

Abnormal Respiratory Rhythms

• Cheyne-Stokes breathing. Marked rhythmic waxing and waning of respirationsfrom very deep to very shallow breathing and temporary apnea (cessation of breathing); common causes include congestive heart failure, increased intacranial pressure and drug overdose.
• Apneustic breathing. Prolonged gasping inspiration followed by a very short, usually inefficient, expiration; associated with central nervous system disorders.
• Biot's breathing. Shallow breaths interrupted by apnea; may be seen in healthy people and in clients with central nervous system disorders.