Epistemis

Cyanosis

Specialty: Cardiovascular.

  • bluish coloration
  • blue lips

Why it occurs

  • Hypoxemia (respiratory failure)
  • Heart failure / congenital heart disease
  • Peripheral cyanosis due to cold/low output
  • Methaemoglobinemia

Initial workup

Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gases; ECG and chest x-ray.

red flags

Acute onset central cyanosis with dyspnea (respiratory urgency).

Standard management

  • Oxygen — and treat the respiratory/cardiac cause

Educational guidance for study. It is NOT a prescription recommendation. The actual choice depends on the cause, the patient, and current guidelines.

PreviousSustained tip shock
Area
Cardiovascular
Listed causes
4
Treatment options
1
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