Beneficial effects of using high inspiratory flows in patients ...

[big1devin]

Beneficial effects of using high inspiratory flows in patients with chronic airflow obstruction re-ceiving flow-limited mechanical ventilation include which of the following?
 
  1. Decreased work of breathing
  2. Improved gas exchange
  3. Decreased auto-PEEP
  a. 1 and 2 only
  b. 1 and 3 only
  c. 2 and 3 only
  d. 1, 2, and 3

Question 2

Which of the following trigger levels is appropriate when setting a ventilator for flow triggering?
 
  a. 9 to 11 L/min below baseline flow
  b. 7 to 9 L/min below baseline flow
  c. 4 to 6 L/min below baseline flow
  d. 1 to 2 L/min below baseline flow

[ErinKing]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Higher flow (up to 100 L/min) may improve gas exchange in chronic obstructive pulmonary dis-ease patients, probably because of the resulting increase in expiratory time.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
In general, for flow triggering the trigger flow should be set 1 to 2 L/min below baseline or bias flow.