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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Hindered Breathing After High Oxygen Flow For COPD Patient?

A patient was admitted to the hospital with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His PO2 was 55 and PCO2 was 65. A new resident orders 54% oxygen via the venturi mask. One hour later, after the oxygen was placed, the nurse finds the patient with no respiration or pulse. She calls for a Code Blue and begins cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Explain why the patient stopped breathing.
Mon, 23 Nov 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
The patient you are talking about is having co2 (carbon dioxide) narcosis. It is common in COPD patients. It is due to increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood.
These patients tend to have respiratory drive, driven by low oxygen in the blood.
So low oxygen in such patients is actually beneficial to maintain central respiratory drive.
So when you give these patients high flow oxygen, this central respiratory drive will be diminished.
And hence patient stops respiration.
So never give high flow oxygen in COPD patients even if their oxygen saturation is low.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Causes Hindered Breathing After High Oxygen Flow For COPD Patient?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. The patient you are talking about is having co2 (carbon dioxide) narcosis. It is common in COPD patients. It is due to increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood. These patients tend to have respiratory drive, driven by low oxygen in the blood. So low oxygen in such patients is actually beneficial to maintain central respiratory drive. So when you give these patients high flow oxygen, this central respiratory drive will be diminished. And hence patient stops respiration. So never give high flow oxygen in COPD patients even if their oxygen saturation is low. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.