Intubation & Ventilation Scenario 6

      
   

 

      
      A 16 year old female presents with a two month history of severe fatigue, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath and weight loss. She is admitted through the ER in extremis, with a PCO2 of 70mmHg and a PO2 of 50mmHg.        
     

       
     

Main Problem Associated Problem X

Solution

This patient has a ventilatory abnormality. She presents with a combination of fatigue, and the inability to clear CO2, suggesting muscle weakness. The diagnosis is Myasthenia Gravis, which is characterized by anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, and thus effective neuromuscular blockade.