Author Question: A patient's endotracheal tube cuff pressure is measured at 35 mm Hg. The most appropriate im-mediate ... (Read 115 times)

Tirant22 · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

A patient's endotracheal tube cuff pressure is measured at 35 mm Hg. The most appropriate im-mediate action to take is:

a. extubate the patient immediately.
b. do nothing; this pressure is acceptable.
c. add more volume to the cuff, and recheck pressure.
d. remove some volume from the cuff, and recheck pressure.

Question 2

Which of the following statements concerning endotracheal tubes and their insertion is true?

a. The straight blade gives better tongue control than the curved blade.
b. The Macintosh blade must be inserted along the left side of the tongue.
c. The Miller blade is inserted along the right side of the tongue.
d. The epiglottis must be hooked with the tip of the Macintosh blade.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Because of tracheal mucosal blood pressure-flow characteristics, cuff pressure should be below 25 mm Hg to prevent tracheal ischemic damage. High cuff pressure is not an indication for extu-bation. Adding more volume would increase the cuff pressure even more, creating more of a blockage to blood and lymph circulation in the area surrounding the cuff.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The curved blade gives better tongue control than the straight blade. Both types of blades must be inserted along the right side of the tongue. The Macintosh blade lifts the epiglottis indirectly by being placed in the vallecula, not directly on the epiglottis.