My live in is in the hospital with 5 badly broken ribs and a bruised Lung. They had him on oxygen at a level 6. Late last night his oxygen level fell to 50%. and they had trouble trying to keep him awake. His heartbeat was soaring also. They took him to UIC.
I can't seem to get a straight answer from the nurses as to "why" he dropped as he did.
What is the danger he faced at only breahing at 50%? Although they have now got his oxygen level back, is there any long term effect? He was acting a tad strange today, and I'm not sure if it was my imagination. Sorry spellcheck isn't working, and I'm to tired to think!!
2007-06-28 05:48:18 · 5 answers · asked by ? 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
he is likely not breathng deeply enough to absorb enough oxygen, and a level of 50 can cause brain damage if it goes on too long. the saturation of blood by oxygen should be at minimum 90%, so he was in considerable danger. Whether or not the effects of this low saturation are permanent depends on how long the saturation lasted, before they got it back up.
2007-06-28 06:14:05 · answer #1 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several reasons that his oxygen level could have dropped, so that's why you aren't getting a straight answer from anyone. They might have some idea- but if they don't know for sure it's best that they tell you that.
Look at this situation logically, ok? You say he has broken ribs, and a bruised lung. I've never had a broken rib, but I've heard that they are extremely painful. They are probably giving him pain medication for that. Some patients are very sensitive to pain medication, and if they are given too much they can be extremely sleepy, and really have no desire to breathe on their own. In that case, their oxygen level will fall and it's best to move them to ICU where they are monitored until they wake up. His heart rate may have increased because it was trying to keep up with the demands for oxygen in his body- but that's what it's supposed to do.
If his problem with a low oxygen level was bad enough, then he would be on a ventilator- so don't worry that he would have any long term effect in this instance. If he is awake and talking to you don't worry.
On the other hand, it probably wasn't your imagination that he was acting strange. Think about what he's gone through, and try to put yourself in his shoes. Would you be acting a little strange? Things should be back to normal in a few days for him, although the ribs will take awhile to heal. Hope everything works out ok.
2007-06-29 03:42:05 · answer #2 · answered by Meekla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do need to get his pulse ox back up to at least 90 to be safe. There is danger in insufficient oxygenation. He should have oxygen by mask running at the highest liters he can tolerate and they should check blood gases and initiate pulmonary exercises as soon as he is able to do these. He is not inspirating enough air and may need a CPAP when he goes home. He may have sleep apnea and should be checked for that.
2007-06-28 06:01:06 · answer #3 · answered by motorgirl56 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just had a friend come out of a medical inducted coma and on a breathing machine and he was a little out of it at first also it takes time and rest good luck I 'am sure he'll be fine it takes time to heal. prayers are with you and your friend.
2007-06-28 06:04:36 · answer #4 · answered by paws4shy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lack of oxygen to the brain, he'll be fine, if it doesn't hapen again
2007-06-28 05:53:05 · answer #5 · answered by Emmers 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋