Before the suctioning of a patient, auscultation reveals coarse breath sounds during both inspiration and expiration.  After suctioning, the coarseness disappears, but expiratory wheezing is heard over both lung fields.  What is most likely the problem?

The set of ABG results was obtained on a patient in the ICU on a 2 L/M nasal cannula:pH 7.25  PaCO2 68 mmHg  PaO2 78 mmHg  HCO3 23 mEq/LWhich of the following is the correct interpretation of the above ABG?

The following data have been collected from a patient using a volume ventilator in the control mode:VC/ACVt  550mL Rate 20/minFiO2 0.45ABGpH 7.50PaCO2  26 mmHgPaO2   98 mmHgHCO3 23 mEq/LTo increase this patient’s PaCO2 to 40 mmHg, the ventilator rate should be adjusted to what level?

A respiratory therapist is working in the Medical ICU and the patient’s ventilator begins alarming. Upon entering the room, the therapist notices the patient coughing with secretions present in the ETT. The therapist suctions the patient and a minimal amount of secretions are pulled into the catheter. Which of the following should a respiratory therapist do FIRST?

You are about to suction a patient who has an 8 mm (internal diameter) endotracheal tube in place.  What is the maximum size catheter that you would use in this case?

Dr. Croi has ordered pressure support ventilation for a post-operative cholecystectomy patient.  Before placing the patient on PSV, the patient must:

A post-operative patient is admitted to the Surgical ICU and the physician requests weaning parameters when applicable. Once you resume care of the patient, you notice the patient is awake and spontaneously breathing. What mode would you recommend at this time?

The physician has ordered Duo-neb for your patient.  What are the dosages of the medications in the Duo-neb?

You are caring for a patient on room air with the following ABG results: Barometric pressure is 680 mmHg    pH   7.42    PaCO2 43 mmHg    PaO2  65 mmHg    SaO2  92%    Hb    14 g/dLWhat is the P(A-a)O2 for this patient?

The high-pressure alarm is activated on a patient’s volume ventilator. Which of the following could be causing this problem? Secretions in the airwayLeak around the ETTBronchospasmPatient biting the ETT