Resp. distress and Mottled skin

[DieselBolus17]

Hi all,

Was wondering what the pathophysiology of Mottled skin is in a pt. in severe respiratory distress. My understanding is that mottled skin is caused by vascular changes. Vessels under the skin constrict to shunt the little oxygenated blood there is to the core, causing a mottled appearance. Is this correct? Or is there something else going on....


Thank you

 

[Ewok Jerky]

Correct. Well, that plus local hypoxia. Respiratory physiology can get pretty complicated pretty quickly.

 

[EMSComeLately]

Hallmarks of anaphylaxis.