Assessment and monitoring of the respiratory function of patients in an intensive care unit

The function of the respiratory system is oxygenation of systemic arterial blood and elimination of carbon dioxide from the body. In a patient with a respiratory failure, the type and severity of respiratory failure should be assessed, which enables the choice of appropriate treatment. Its efficacy should be carefully followed and the therapy supplemented or changed whenever required. For this purpose, in addition to clinical examination and observation of the patient, parameters indicating changes in the function of the respiratory system should be monitored. Respiratory function is analyzed by evaluating blood oxygenation and elimination of carbon dioxide in the lungs and by evaluation of pulmonary mechanisms.