Author Question: A patient receiving long-term positive-pressure ventilation support exhibits a progressive weight ... (Read 15 times)

DyllonKazuo · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

A patient receiving long-term positive-pressure ventilation support exhibits a progressive weight gain and a reduction in the hematocrit. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this problem?

a. Pulmonary hemorrhage
b. Water retention
c. Hypovolemia
d. Hyponatremia

Question 2

Hyperventilation should generally be avoided during mechanical ventilatory support. Exceptions to this rule include:

1. Trying to calm an agitated patient.
2. Failure of other methods to reduce intracranial pressure.
3. Hypokalemia causing cardiac arrhythmias.
a. 2 and 3 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 only
d. 1 and 2 only

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Among critically ill patients, water retention usually is evident when rapid weight gain occurs. In addition, such patients may have a reduced hematocrit, which is also consistent with hypervole-mia due to water retention.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Hyperventilation should be used temporarily after traumatic brain injury until other methods can be used to decrease elevated intracranial pressure.