A 60-year-old male has just been extubated following coronar…
A 60-year-old male has just been extubated following coronary artery bypass grafting. His chest X-ray demonstrates platelike infiltrates with scattered densities, and he is noted to have decreased chest expansion with an increased respiratory rate. Which of the following treatments should be recommended for this patient?
Read DetailsThe respiratory therapist performs the quality control proce…
The respiratory therapist performs the quality control procedures for the blood gas analyzer in the NICU and notices a single data point that is 3 standard deviations from the mean value for the pH electrode. The respiratory therapist should:
Read DetailsA 42-year-old trauma patient in the ED has been intubated wi…
A 42-year-old trauma patient in the ED has been intubated with a 6.5 mm oral endotracheal tube equipped with a high-residual-volume, low-pressure cuff. The respiratory therapist notes that a cuff pressure of 42 cm H2O is necessary to achieve a minimal occluding volume. This would indicate that the:
Read DetailsA 44-year-old patient who suffered a cerebral vascular accid…
A 44-year-old patient who suffered a cerebral vascular accident has been moved from the Neuro-ICU to the step-down unit. He becomes diaphoretic and his SpO2 suddenly drops from 95% to 88% on a 32% tracheostomy collar. His heart rate is 115/min, RR is 42/min, and his breath sounds are very diminished. The respiratory therapist is unsuccessful in attempting to pass a 12 Fr suction catheter. The respiratory therapist should:
Read DetailsA 68-year-old patient with advanced emphysema is receiving o…
A 68-year-old patient with advanced emphysema is receiving oxygen by nasal cannula at 1 L/min. The physician has ordered that the patient’s SpO2 be maintained at 90%. ABG on 1 L/min is: pH 7.34, PaCO2 65, PaO2 55, HCO3- 35. What should the respiratory therapist recommend FIRST?
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