How can I quickly determine whether a patient has hypoxemia?
trr the absence of drainage.
ANSWER:

The following formula can be used to quickly calculate the severity of a patient's oxygen deficit:

PaO2  ÷  FiO2

Normal = 90  ÷  .21
      = 430

Acute Lung Injury (inflammatory response, increased capillary leak) is defined as non-cardiac pulmonary edema with a PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 300. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is defined as non-cardiac pulmonary edema with a PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 200. NOTE: This is based on a patient without PEEP. If PEEP requirements are > 5, consider the actual PaO2/FiO2 to be lower than the calculated value (i.e., the patient's oxygenation is actually worse).

Brenda Morgan
Clinical Nurse Specialist,CCTC
February 16, 2007
 

Return to Main Page