An 18 year old 5’6”, 125 lb female patient was admitted to t…
An 18 year old 5’6”, 125 lb female patient was admitted to the MICU 2 days ago for spinal meningitis. She developed sepisis and suffered hypercapnic respiratory failure. The patient was intubated and placed on VC-CMV, f = 12, Vt = 600 mL, PEEP 5 cmH2O, FiO2 40%. Twenty-four hours later, the patient’s oxygen need drastically increased, lung compliance decreased and CXR developed bilateral fluffy infiltrates. The most appropriate action to take include which of the following?
Read DetailsAn ARDS patient is being mechanically ventilated, the respir…
An ARDS patient is being mechanically ventilated, the respiratory therapist hears the high pressure alarm sounding with each inspiration. Upon assessment, the RRT hears no breath sounds on the right, tracheal shift to the left and a hyperresonant note upon percussion on the right is noted. The patient has become diaphoretic, tachycardic, hypotensive and has a decreased cardiac output. What action should be taken at this time?
Read Details