A 19 year old man is brought to the ED after experiencing sharp chest pain while playing basketball. Upon observation of the young man, reveals a tall, thin man in severe distress. Despite being placed on a 10 L/min SM, the patient shows peripheral and central cyanosis. Percussion of the right side yields a dull percussion note and on the left it is noted to have a hyperresonant note. Additionally, a distinct shift in the trachea toward the right side is noted. Cardiac leads are attached and the ECG monitor shows sinus tachycardia with frequent multifocal PVCs. The B/P can only be palpated at 50 mmHg systolic, diaphoresis and cyanosis. Which of the following should the RT recommend?

What does the dicrotic notch represent on an PA catheter pressure waveform?

A patient has been scheduled for a outpatient cardioversion for atrial fibrillation and the physician has asked you to set the cardioverter to a proper initial shock strength. Which of the following would be recommended?

What therapy is indicated for the construction worker above?

Which of the following statements regarding the amount of suction applied to the pleural space from the pleural drainage system are true? I. the amount of negative pressure is controlled by the amount of suction from the wall vacuumII. the amount of negative pressure is usually -20 cmH2OIII. negative pressure is controlled by the depth of the water in the suction chamber in chest  tube bottle systemIV. aggressive bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates suction pressure is set at the required level for evacuation to occur

A respiratory therapist has assisted in a thoracentesis with the removal of 1 L of pleural fluid that is cloudy in a patient who has a history lung cancer and frequent bacterial pneumonias. Laboratory results indicate the pH is 7.09 and a protein level count of 4.2 g/dL. This is best described as a(an) ____________________.

A “sucking chest wound” with positive pleural pressures on inspiration and an unacceptably high PaCO2 are associated with __________________.

When there are frequent changes in the FiO2 delivery of a patient, what is the MOST reliable measure to determine oxygenation status?

This author spent much time in San Francisco and worked a variety of jobs including teacher, miner, reporter, and editor.

This author was the highest paid writer of his time, though he didn’t fulfill his contract obligations.