Management of Respiratory Failure in Hemorrhagic Shock

Hemorrhagic shock results in acute respiratory failure due to respiratory muscle fatigue and inadequate pulmonary blood flow. Because positive pressure ventilation can reduce venous return and cardiac output, clinicians should use the minimum possible mean airway pressure during assisted or mechanical ventilation, particularly during episodes of severe hypovolemia. Hypoperfusion also worsens dead space fraction. Therefore, clinicians should monitor capnography during mechanical ventilation and recognize that hypercapnia may be treated with fluid resuscitation rather than increasing minute ventilation.