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Review of Physiology and Pathophysiology

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Mechanical Ventilation in Emergency Medicine

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Abstract

A discussion of the principles of mechanical ventilation must begin with a review of important physiologic concepts. This chapter is a review of gas exchange, focusing on oxygenation and ventilation. There are five major causes of hypoxemia: V/Q mismatch, shunt, alveolar hypoventilation, decreased partial pressure of oxygen, and decreased diffusion. Several other key principles of hypoxemia include understanding hypoxemic vasoconstriction and derecruitment. Resistance and compliance are core concepts in respiratory physiology and are important in caring for ventilated patients. Monitoring for air trapping is essential to preventing untoward outcomes as well.

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Suggested Reading

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Susan R. Wilcox

  2. Departments of Surgery and Neurology, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA

    Ani Aydin & Evie G. Marcolini

Authors
  1. Susan R. Wilcox
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  2. Ani Aydin
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  3. Evie G. Marcolini
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Wilcox, S.R., Aydin, A., Marcolini, E.G. (2019). Review of Physiology and Pathophysiology. In: Mechanical Ventilation in Emergency Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98410-0_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98410-0_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-98409-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-98410-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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