A patient rescued from a house fire is wearing a high flow n…
A patient rescued from a house fire is wearing a high flow nasal cannula with 10 L/min of oxygen because of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. A standard pulse oximeter on the patient’s right index finger shows a SpO2 value of 99%. An arterial blood gas sample is obtained and sent to the laboratory for analysis on a blood gas analyzer and a CO-oximeter. Results from the analyzer are as follows: pH 7.25 PaCO2 35 torr PaO2 349 torr HCO3– 10 mEq/L BE –14 mEq/L SaO2 (calc) 100% Results from the CO-oximeter are as follows: O2Hb 80% COHb 18% MetHb 2% Which result(s) should be followed to best assess the patient’s clinical status?
Read DetailsA patient on a ventilator has become agitated and combative,…
A patient on a ventilator has become agitated and combative, and the high-pressure alarm is sounding with each breath. To paralyze the patient to prevent him from fighting the ventilator, the respiratory therapist should recommend which of the following medications?
Read DetailsA 54-year-old patient enters the emergency department with m…
A 54-year-old patient enters the emergency department with mild chest pain and shortness of breath. Oxygen is started at 3 L/min per nasal cannula. The ABGs drawn 30 minutes later are as follows: pH 7.36 PaCO2 44 mm Hg PaO2 62 mm Hg HCO3 24 mEq/L BE 0 mEq/L The respiratory therapist should recommend which of the following?
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