Cardiovascular Disorders Chapter 206. Respiratory Arrest Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Respiratory Arrest Primary respiratory arrest is caused by airway obstruction, decreased respiratory drive, or respiratory muscle weakness. Secondary respiratory arrest results from circulatory insufficiency. If respiratory arrest is prolonged, cardiac arrest quickly follows because progressive hypoxemia impairs cardiac function. Impending respiratory arrest is characterized by a depressed sensorium and feeble, gasping, or irregular respirations, often with accompanying tachycardia, diaphoresis, and relative hypertension due to agitation and CO 2 accumulation.
Respiratory depression implies inadequate ventilation.
If uncorrected, progressive CO 2 retention and hypoxemia can result in systemic acidemia. All rights reserved.