Which of the following conditions would not cause the high-pressure alarm to activate on a volume-controlled ventilator?

A 68-kg postoperative patient is receiving SIMV volume-control ventilation with the following settings: VT 550 mL, rate 10/min, PEEP 8 cmH₂O, and FiO₂ 0.40. He is awake and appears anxious. The total respiratory rate is 30/min, peak inspiratory pressure is 36 cmH₂O, and minute ventilation is 9.0 L/min. Arterial blood gases are: pH 7.37, PaCO₂ 44 mmHg, PaO₂ 92 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 25 mEq/L. Which action should the respiratory therapist take?

A trauma patient is orally intubated in the emergency department and is being manually ventilated with a self-inflating resuscitation bag. During ventilation, the respiratory therapist notes minimal chest rise, very faint breath sounds, and a noticeable air leak from around the patient’s mouth. A chest radiograph confirms that the endotracheal tube is positioned correctly. Which issue is most likely causing this problem?

A patient is on a ventilator with a rate of 15 breaths per minute and an inspiratory time of 1 second. What is the total cycle time for each breath?

Which of the following would decrease PaCO2 when ventilating a patient using intermittent mandatory ventilation with pressure support?

A patient suddenly develops unilateral absent breath sounds and hypotension during central line insertion. Percussion reveals hyperresonance. What should the RT recommend first?

A patient receiving mechanical ventilation suddenly develops  crepitus around the neck and upper chest. What condition is suspected?

While assessing a chest tube drainage system in a mechanically ventilated patient, the therapist notes bubbling in the water-seal chamber during inspiration. What is the most likely interpretation?

Which of the following would not be an appropriate intervention for a patient with severely decreased static lung compliance?

A patient in the emergency department is breathing room air. ABG results are: pH 7.23, PaCO₂ 22 mmHg, PaO₂ 93mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 11 mEq/L, SaO₂ 96%, BE –14. Which intervention should the respiratory therapist recommend?