What Lab Values Indicate Respiratory Failure

One needs to document two of the three criteria to formally diagnose acute respiratory failure: pO2 less than 60 mm Hg (or room air oxygen saturation less than or equal to 90%), pCO2 greater than 50 mm Hg with pH less than 7.35, and signs/symptoms of respiratory distress.

What labs indicate respiratory failure?

Arterial blood gas tests to measure levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, and bicarbonate. A sample of your blood will be taken from your arteries. These tests help determine whether you have respiratory failure and what type it is. Blood tests to help find the cause of your respiratory failure.

What 2 parameters are most important when determining respiratory failure?

Two BLS vital sign measurements that are helpful in assessing and monitoring the degree of respiratory distress are respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.