title: Acute post-traumatic respiratory physiology and insufficiency.
abstract: This article reviews the physiologic mechanisms by which acute injury results in respiratory insufficiency. It delineates the need for oxygenation versus ventilatory support and provides a pragmatic approach to dealing with the proper early respiratory support of the victim of chest trauma as well as the rationale for various immediate treatment modalities. In addition, it discusses various assessment techniques and clinical clues that predict the onset of late respiratory complications in the patient with serious injuries.
authors.affiliation: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Pepe
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications*