Balk R, Bone R C
Med Clin North Am. 1983 May;67(3):551-6. doi: 10.1016/s0025-7125(16)31188-9.
Acute respiratory failure can result from a wide variety of etiologies. Hypoxemia is the hallmark of this condition and is responsible for the major clinical signs and symptoms. The use of arterial blood gas analysis is the cornerstone of diagnosis and is also critical in the subsequent evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy. Treatment must be individualized and coordinated in the setting of an intensive care unit.
