Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Acute Respiratory Failure-III01:30

Acute Respiratory Failure-III

185
Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without...
185
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation01:25

Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation

1.1K
Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...
1.1K
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis01:24

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

221
Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2  and...
221
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

139
The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
139
Acute Respiratory Failure-I01:21

Acute Respiratory Failure-I

208
Acute respiratory failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the lungs to perform their primary function: gas exchange. This failure leads to insufficient oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in the blood, elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or both, causing critical impairment in organ function.
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
208
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion01:17

Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion

979
Understanding and evaluating diffusion and perfusion is critical in assessing a patient's respiratory and circulatory health. These processes play key roles in maintaining the body's internal environment, ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen while waste products are efficiently removed.
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
979

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

ERS Congress 2025: highlights from the Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly.

ERJ open research·2026
Same author

Exercise-induced dynamic hyperinflation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Experimental physiology·2026
Same author

Home high-flow therapy during recovery from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation: a mixed-methods feasibility randomised control trial.

BMJ open respiratory research·2025
Same author

Update in Noninvasive Home Mechanical Ventilation: A Narrative Review of Indications, Outcomes, and Monitoring.

Canadian respiratory journal·2024
Same author

Response.

Chest·2024
Same author

Examining medical students' experience of gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment from clinical teachers at a UK medical school.

Medical teacher·2024

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
07:52

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department

Published on: January 29, 2011

16.2K

Supporting patients with hypercapnia.

Laura Tregidgo1, Rebecca F D'Cruz2

  • 1Lane Fox Respiratory Unit, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Clinical Medicine (London, England)
|February 21, 2024
PubMed
Summary

This review offers a practical guide for clinicians on recognizing and managing hypercapnic respiratory failure. It aims to improve care quality and patient outcomes for those with COPD, obesity, or neuromuscular disease.

Keywords:
Acute medicineHypercapniaNon-invasive ventilationRespiratory failureVentilation

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Capnography Sampling Line Compatibility and Accuracy when Used with a Portable Capnography Monitor
07:51

Evaluation of Capnography Sampling Line Compatibility and Accuracy when Used with a Portable Capnography Monitor

Published on: September 29, 2020

8.8K
Retinal Vascular Reactivity as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
07:23

Retinal Vascular Reactivity as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Published on: March 26, 2020

7.6K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
07:52

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department

Published on: January 29, 2011

16.2K
Evaluation of Capnography Sampling Line Compatibility and Accuracy when Used with a Portable Capnography Monitor
07:51

Evaluation of Capnography Sampling Line Compatibility and Accuracy when Used with a Portable Capnography Monitor

Published on: September 29, 2020

8.8K
Retinal Vascular Reactivity as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
07:23

Retinal Vascular Reactivity as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Published on: March 26, 2020

7.6K

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Hypercapnia is a common clinical challenge, particularly for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity, and neuromuscular diseases.
  • These patients are at risk of developing hypercapnic respiratory failure and may present acutely or be managed in outpatient settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a practical guide for respiratory clinicians to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing hypercapnic respiratory failure.
  • To promote national ventilation quality standards for consistent, high-quality patient care and improved outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing current knowledge and best practices.
  • The review focuses on practical recognition and management strategies for hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Main Results:

  • The review equips clinicians with tools to effectively manage patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure.
  • It emphasizes the importance of prompt recognition and intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Improved clinical knowledge and adherence to national ventilation standards can optimize outcomes for patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure.
  • A practical, evidence-based approach is crucial for managing this condition effectively.