Respiratory arrest
ICD-10 R09.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of respiratory arrest.
Respiratory arrest is a critical condition characterized by the cessation of breathing, leading to a lack of oxygenation and potential brain damage or death if not promptly addressed. It can occur due to various underlying causes, including airway obstruction, central nervous system disorders, drug overdose, or severe respiratory diseases. Symptoms may include unresponsiveness, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), and absence of breath sounds. Clinical findings may reveal altered mental status, bradycardia, or hypotension. Laboratory findings may include arterial blood gas abnormalities, such as hypoxemia (low oxygen levels) and hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels). Immediate intervention is crucial, often requiring resuscitation efforts such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced airway management. The prognosis depends on the duration of the arrest and the timeliness of medical intervention.
Detailed documentation of the patient's history, physical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed.
Patients with chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD or asthma, experiencing acute exacerbations leading to respiratory arrest.
Ensure that all contributing factors, such as medication history and comorbidities, are documented to support the diagnosis.
Immediate and thorough documentation of the patient's presentation, interventions, and response to treatment.
Acute respiratory failure due to trauma, overdose, or severe infection requiring rapid resuscitation.
Document the timeline of events and interventions clearly to support the urgency of the diagnosis.
Used in conjunction with R09.2 when resuscitation efforts are documented.
Document the time of arrest, interventions performed, and patient response.
Emergency medicine specialists must ensure accurate timing and details of resuscitation efforts.
Respiratory arrest refers to the complete cessation of breathing, while respiratory failure indicates inadequate gas exchange, which may still involve some respiratory effort. Accurate documentation is essential to differentiate between the two for coding purposes.
