Identify the improperly set ventilator parameter using the ...

[codyclark]

Identify the improperly set ventilator parameter using the scalars shown below.
 
  a. Mode
  b. Flow rate
  c. Sensitivity
  d. Tidal volume

Question 2

The volume curve on a volume-time scalar is consistently dropping below the baseline during ex-halation. The first action to take is which of the following?
 
  a. Measure the plateau pressure.
  b. Measure the endotracheal (ET) tube cuff pressure.
  c. Check the ventilator circuit for a leak.
  d. Assess the patient for active exhalation.

[SomethingSomething]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The breaths shown are both patient triggered. Negative deflections on the pressure-time scalar are present for both complete breaths shown. There is also a negative deflection between the two that did not result in a ventilator breath. A closer look at the amount of pressure required to trig-ger a ventilator breath shows that it is set too insensitive. In this situation the patient needs to generate a pressure of 10 cm H2O below the baseline to trigger a breath. The negative deflection in the center of the pressure-time scalar demonstrates that the patient could not generate enough negative pressure to trigger a breath. Therefore, the sensitivity is not set properly.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
When the volume drops below the baseline during exhalation, the cause could be active exhala-tion or an inspiratory time that is too long. Assessing the patient for active exhalation is the only viable answer given the choices. By doing the assessment the respiratory therapist can determine whether active exhalation is the cause.

[codyclark]

Correct answers!

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