A 43 week meconium stained infant has been receiving positive pressure ventilation at 100% oxygen via BMV after sutioning of the airway until no meconium was aspirated for two minutes. The initial heart rate upon delivery was 80 bpm and is now 55 bpm. Which of the following actions should be taken FIRST?
Read DetailsBONUS: An RT has just intubated a patient with the assistance of another respiratory therapist who is monitoring a capnograph during the procedure. Throughout the intubation procedure and after insertion of the ETT the ETCO2 monitor maintained a reading of 0%. What interpretation can be made at this time?
Read DetailsAn 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 Details14. A medical student is assigned to care for a patient with a smoking history and who is suspected of having emphysema. She asks for recommendations on what tests might be used to help determine the diagnosis. You would recommend all of the following EXCEPT
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