The Influence of Hypercapnia and Atmospheric Pressure on the Pao2/Fio2 Ratio-Pathophysiologic Considerations, a Case Series, and Introduction of a Clinical Tool.

Objectives: The ratio between Pao2 and Fio2 is used as a marker for impaired oxygenation and acute respiratory distress syndrome classification. However, any discrepancy between Fio2 and o2 fraction in the alveolus affects the Pao2/Fio2 ratio. Correcting the Pao2/Fio2 ratios using the alveolar gas equation may result in an improved reflection of the pulmonary situation.

Moral distress and ethical climate in intensive care medicine during COVID-19: a nationwide study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created ethical challenges for intensive care unit (ICU) professionals, potentially causing moral distress. This study explored the levels and causes of moral distress and the ethical climate in Dutch ICUs during COVID-19.

Methods: An extended version of the Measurement of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP) and Ethical Decision Making Climate Questionnaire (EDMCQ) were online distributed among all 84 ICUs.