Author Question: To reduce the risk of tracheal damage associated with overinflated tube cuffs, cuff pressures should ... (Read 45 times)

JMatthes · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

To reduce the risk of tracheal damage associated with overinflated tube cuffs, cuff pressures should not exceed what range of pressures?

a. 10-15 mm Hg
b. 15-20 mm Hg
c. 20-25 mm Hg
d. 25-30 mm Hg

Question 2

The respiratory therapist is monitoring the cuff pressure of a tracheostomy tube inserted in a pa-tient who is receiving mechanical ventilation.

The cuff pressure is measured at 41 cm H2O. The respiratory therapist should immediately do which of the following?
a. Inject more air through the pilot balloon.
b. Release some of the air from the cuff.
c. Insert a new tracheostomy tube.
d. Do nothing; everything is acceptable.

aloop · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Intracuff pressures should not exceed 20-25 mm Hg (27-34 cm H2O).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The measured intracuff pressure is more than the acceptable range of pressure. Some air from the cuff should be released to bring the cuff pressure down to below 34 cm H2O.