CPS Safety Watch/Alert - Respiratory Compromise

Respiratory Compromise is a state in which there is a high likelihood of decompensation into respiratory insufficiency, respiratory failure or death, but in which specific interventions (enhanced monitoring and/or therapies) might prevent or mitigate decompensation.

Respiratory Compromise creates problems that are often serious and potentially life-threatening, but they are almost always preventable with the proper tools and approach.  Appropriate patient monitoring and therapeutic strategies are necessary for early recognition, intervention and treatment.

Common themes include:

• Lack of appropriate monitoring and early identification of respiratory compromise
• Distractions, complacency or failure to identify high risk patients at transitions of care
• Not anticipating respiratory complications or lack of situation awareness
• Complications and risks from procedural sedation

Actions to take:

• Understand the pathophysiology and clinical factors of respiratory compromise
• Early identification of patients at risk
• Appropriate and timely patient monitoring
• Appropriate and prompt interventions and treatment

RESOURCES
*Respiratory Compromise Institute

Thanks to Dr. Brian Froelke, CPS