The significance of a change in Pa02 occuring in a patient with cardiovascular instability cannot be ascertained unless the values for PV0 and CV02 are known. A fall in Pa02 could 2 reflect worsening of pulmonary function or deterioration of cardiac output (with resultant increase in systemic oxygen extraction). PEEP/CPAP would be an appropriate therapy in the former case but frankly deleterious in the latter if applied prior to cardiovascular stabiliza- tion. References 1. Douglas ME, Downs JB, Dannemiller FJ et al (1976) Change in pulmonary venous admixture with varying inspired oxygen....
The significance of a change in Pa02 occuring in a patient with cardiovascular instability cannot be ascertained unless the values for PV0 and CV02 ar...
