Author Question: During ventilation with VC-CMV, pleural drainage leaks sometimes can be compensated for by ... (Read 33 times)

jhjkgdfhk · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

During ventilation with VC-CMV, pleural drainage leaks sometimes can be compensated for by increasing which of the following?

a. The number of chest tubes
b. The set tidal volume
c. The set pressure limit
d. The set peak inspiratory flow

Question 2

A mechanically ventilated patient with COPD is receiving partial ventilatory support with PSV. The respiratory therapist notes a sudden rise at the end of each breath on the pressure-time graphic.

What action should the respiratory therapist take at this time?
a. Change the mode to PRVC.
b. Change the mode to VC-CMV.
c. Lower the flow cycle setting.
d. Adjust the pressure support level.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Compensation for pleural leaks sometimes can be accomplished by increasing volume delivery to the patient. The amount of air leaking through the pleural drainage system can be determined by comparing the inspiratory and expiratory VT.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Asynchronous breathing may be seen in patients with COPD when PSV is used. COPD patients often show active short inspirations and active long expirations. If the patient begins to exhale actively during the inspiratory phase of PSV, the flow may not drop to the necessary cycling value to end inspiration on the pressure-supported breath, resulting in a sudden rise in the scalar at the end of the breath. This problem can be prevented in these patients by using a ventilator with adjustable flow-cycling characteristics.