15. Life-Threatening Respiratory Distress
Why it happens: In end-stage failure, oxygen drops critically low and CO₂ rises dangerously.
How it feels: Patients gasp for air, cannot talk, panic, and may collapse. This requires emergency ventilator support.
Medical Tests (Emergency):
- ABG (very low PaO₂, very high PaCO₂)
- Chest X-ray: Finds immediate cause.
- Intensive Care Monitoring: For ventilator support.