James talks to Dr Lauren Troy about hypoxia and the management of the hypoxic patient. Hypoxia is a common issue that many junior doctors will face when working on the wards. It can significantly contribute to the morbidity and mortality of patients, so it needs to be managed early. In this podcast, you’ll learn a structured approach to the hypoxic patient and gain sound knowledge of oxygen therapies available for patients in the hospital setting.
Summary writer: Jorja Braden
Editor: James Edwards
Interviewee: Lauren Troy
Lauren Troy is a Respiratory Physician, working as a Staff Specialist in the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. She is currently undertaking a PhD in exercise and sleep physiology in interstitial lung disease. Lauren has a strong interest in training and education, with involvement in teaching programs for general practitioners, junior medical officers, basic physician trainees and respiratory advanced trainees. Lauren has been a communications tutor with The Sydney Medical School since 2008 and holds a Clinical Associate Lecturer position with the University of Sydney.
With Dr. Lauren Troy, Respiratory Physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
The hypoxic patient is a common issue that many junior doctors will face when on the wards. Hypoxia can significantly contribute to a patient’s morbidity and mortality and must be managed early. It is therefore important that the junior doctor has a structured approach to the hypoxic patient and sound knowledge of oxygen therapies available for their patients in the hospital setting.
The definition of hypoxaemia: PaO2 less than 80mmHg. Hypoxia and hypoxaemia are often used interchangeably.
The five major cause of hypoxia are split into two major categories base on the alveolar-arterial gradient(AA)
You are a junior doctor on night shift. You are asked by the nursing staff to review an 86-year-old female patient who is day 2 post total hip replacement. The nurse is asking you to review the patient in regards to her low O2 saturations of 92% on room air.
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