Which lab values are often monitored in a patient with respiratory failure?

In the context of respiratory failure, monitoring arterial blood gases (ABGs) is crucial. ABGs provide real-time information about a patient's oxygenation, carbon dioxide levels, and acid-base balance, all of which are fundamental in assessing respiratory function and the effectiveness of interventions.

For patients experiencing respiratory failure, the key parameters assessed through ABGs include arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), and blood pH. Abnormalities in these values can indicate hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels), or acid-base disturbances, which require immediate clinical attention.

Other lab tests, such as complete blood count, liver function tests, and serum electrolytes, may provide valuable information about a patient's overall health or the presence of coexisting issues, but they do not offer the specific insights into respiratory function and gas exchange that ABGs do. This specificity makes ABGs the preferred choice for monitoring patients with respiratory failure.