Oxygen is of limited value since the primary abnormality is reduced pulmonary blood flow. Treat acidosis with sodium bicarbonate, which may reduce the respiratory center stimulating effect of acidosis. General anesthesia is a last resort. The goal of therapy is to reduce the ventilatory drive, decrease systemic venous return, and increase peripheral venous return. Analgesics - Reduce ventilatory drive.
Pain control ensures patient comfort and promotes pulmonary toilet.
Most analgesics have sedating properties, which are beneficial for patients who have sustained painful skin lesions. Morphine sulfate administered IV may be dosed in a number of ways and commonly is titrated until the desired effect is obtained. Peripheral resistance is increased by vasoconstriction. Increased cardiac output and increased peripheral resistance increase blood pressure. Increases peripheral venous return.