Author Question: The high-pressure alarm activates on a patient receiving mechanical ventilatory support. The ... (Read 83 times)

xroflmao

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 515
The high-pressure alarm activates on a patient receiving mechanical ventilatory support. The pa-tient is tachycardic and tachypnic with absent breath sounds on the right side. Which of the fol-lowing condition(s) could be the cause?
 
  1. Pneumothorax
  2. Pulmonary edema
  3. Disconnection from the ventilator
  4. Increased airway resistance
  a. 1 only
  b. 4 only
  c. 1, 2, and 3 only
  d. 1 and 4 only

Question 2

The respiratory therapist is performing a patient-ventilator system check on a patient who was in a motor vehicle accident 2 days earlier. The therapist gathers the following information from the flow sheet:
 
  Day/Time 1/25:1720 1/26:0830 1/26:1840 1/27:0650
  Mode VC-CMV VC-CMV VC-CMV VC-CMV
  PIP (cm H2O) 21 28 32 41
  Pplateau (cm H2O) 18 25 29 38
  Which condition most likely has produced the changes reflected in these data?
  a. Bronchospasm
  b. Abdominal distention
  c. Secretion retention
  d. Mucosal edema



Jody Vaughn

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 344
Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Pneumothorax is another possible problem that must be detected during positive pressure ventila-tion (PPV) and treated quickly. Pneumothorax can be recognized as increased WOB if a patient is conscious. For example, the patient may demonstrate nasal flaring, use of accessory muscles, uneven chest wall movement, and absence of breath sounds on the affected side. Auscultation and percussion of the chest, cardiovascular assessment, and ventilating pressure evaluations usu-ally can distinguish a pneumothorax from other problems.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The difference between the PIP and Pplateau is consistent throughout the documentation (3 cm H2O). The Pplateau has increased over the course of the 36 hours, from 18 to 38 cm H2O. This in-dicates a decrease in static lung compliance. Causes of this condition include ARDS, pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleural effusions, abdominal distention, and ascites. Bronchospasm, secretion re-tention, and mucosal edema would increase the transairway pressure (PIP  Pplateau).



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Approximately 500,000 babies are born each year in the United States to teenage mothers.

Did you know?

Though Candida and Aspergillus species are the most common fungal pathogens causing invasive fungal disease in the immunocompromised, infections due to previously uncommon hyaline and dematiaceous filamentous fungi are occurring more often today. Rare fungal infections, once accurately diagnosed, may require surgical debridement, immunotherapy, and newer antifungals used singly or in combination with older antifungals, on a case-by-case basis.

Did you know?

A recent study has found that following a diet rich in berries may slow down the aging process of the brain. This diet apparently helps to keep dopamine levels much higher than are seen in normal individuals who do not eat berries as a regular part of their diet as they enter their later years.

Did you know?

Not getting enough sleep can greatly weaken the immune system. Lack of sleep makes you more likely to catch a cold, or more difficult to fight off an infection.

Did you know?

The top 10 most important tips that will help you grow old gracefully include (1) quit smoking, (2) keep your weight down, (3) take supplements, (4) skip a meal each day or fast 1 day per week, (5) get a pet, (6) get medical help for chronic pain, (7) walk regularly, (8) reduce arguments, (9) put live plants in your living space, and (10) do some weight training.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library