A patient is being evaluated for tracheal damage sustained while ...

[Yolanda]

A patient is being evaluated for tracheal damage sustained while having undergone prolonged tracheostomy intubation approximately 3 months earlier. The flow-volume loop demonstrates a fixed obstructive pattern.
 
  What is the most likely cause of the problem?
  a. Tracheomalacia
  b. Laryngeal web
  c. Cord paralysis
  d. Tracheal stenosis

Question 2

When checking for proper placement of an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube on a chest radiograph, how far above the carina should the distal tip of the tube be positioned?
 
  a. 1 to 2 cm
  b. 2 to 4 cm
  c. 3 to 6 cm
  d. 6 to 8 cm

[l.stuut]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Tracheal stenosis will appear as a fixed obstructive pattern, with flattening of both the inspiratory and expiratory limbs of the flow-volume loop (Figure 36-25).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The tube tip should be approximately 3 to 6 cm above the carina in adults, or between the second and fourth tracheal rings.

[Yolanda]

TYSM

[scikid]

Excellent