Respiratory Failure

Symptoms

1. shortness of breath
2. lethargy
3. bluish discoloration of lips
4. fatigue
5. confusion, agitation, anxiety
6. sleepiness
7. unconsciousness

Diagnosis 
Observation of the patient for signs and symptoms

Examination to find the cause

Arterial blood gases- where arterial oxygen is less than 60 mmHg and carbon dioxide is greater than 45mmHg

Chest x-ray

Blood cultures to rule out infections

Ct scan or VQ scan may be help also for diagnosis 

Treatment
The cause should be identified and treated.  The goal of treatment is to support lung, heart, and other organs in an ICU setup. 

-Oxygen by nasal cannula or endotracheal tube

-ventilatory support by positive pressure ventilation to maintain ideal oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and by positive end expiratory pressure to keep alveoli open

-fluids to support the circulatory system and body functions

-nutritional support through intravenous or nasogastric tube

-medications- antibiotics as needed for infections, bronchodilators and steroids to reduce inflammation

Respiratory failure is a serious condition which may need treatment by multiple specialists in an ICU setting.  Prognosis is grave.