Excessive levels of carbon dioxide can result in stupor, coma and death.
Situations where it may develop:
(1) chronic lung disease during an exacerbation or with a superimposed pulmonary problem (pneumothorax, pneumonia, etc)
(2) exposure to high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide
Features:
(1) PaCO2 > 60 mm Hg
(2) Glasgow Coma Score < 8
(3) reversal of coma with reduction of PaCO2
(4) exclusion of other explanations
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Purpose: To evaluate a patient for evidence of hypercapnic coma.
Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
Objective: other testing
ICD-10: E87, R40,
