Author Question: When a heated wire breathing circuit is used in conjunction with a heated humidifier, how often in ... (Read 137 times)

DelorasTo · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

When a heated wire breathing circuit is used in conjunction with a heated humidifier, how often in the course of 24 hours should the therapist expect to drain condensate from the tubing?

A. more than 5 times per day
B. 5 times per day
C. once or twice per day
D. not at all

Question 2

Which of the following physiologic effects is the most immediate result stemming from the desiccation of mucous glands which, in turn, causes an increased viscosity of the mucus, produced by breathing a cool, dry gas via an artificial airway?

A. retained secretions
B. hyperthermia
C. atelectasis
D. refractory hypoxemia

mmpiza · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
A. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
B. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
D. Correct response: When properly set, a heated wire circuit operating in conjunction with a heated humidifier should render little condensate. If the humidifier is set properly, only a fog should be visualized in the circuit, and no need to drain condensate should exist.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A. Incorrect response: When a patient breathes a cool, dry gas through an artificial airway, the physiologic response of retained secretions is caused by the structural problem of ciliary function loss, adversely affecting the mucociliary escalator.
B. Incorrect response: Breathing such a gas through an ETT or tracheostomy tube can cause hypothermia, not hyperthermia.
C. Correct response: Atelectasis develops as mucous viscosity increases because of the desiccation of mucous producing glands, caused by breathing cool, dry gas through an artificial airway.
D. Incorrect response: Refractory hypoxemia ensues from the development of atelectasis. Once the alveoli collapse, pulmonary capillary blood flow continues, and the blood perfusing these atelectatic alveoli does not participate in gas exchange. Therefore, blood leaving these atelectatic alveoli retains its mixed venous blood gas values.