The respiratory therapist observes the volume-time curve shown in ...

[Sufayan.ah]

The respiratory therapist observes the volume-time curve shown in the figure. What action should the respiratory therapist take at this time?
 
  a. Add extrinsic positive -end-expiratory pressure (PEEPE).
  b. Look for a system leak.
  c. Switch to flow triggering.
  d. Detach the ventilator and manually resus-citate.

Question 2

Identify the plateau pressure (Pplateau) for the pressure-controlled continuous mandatory ventila-tion (PC-CMV) breaths in the figure.
 
  a. Point A
  b. Point B
  c. Point C
  d. Point D

[guyanai]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The volume-time curve shows a leak in the system. Before beginning to troubleshoot to and find the location of the leak, the patient should be taken off the ventilator circuit and mechanically ventilated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Point D occurs where there is no flow, as evidenced on the flow-time curve, and there has been some time for the ventilator pressure and lung pressure to equilibrate.