During assessment of the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), it is important that the balloon be inflated for only 15 to 30 seconds when measuring the PCWP or pulmonary artery occlusive pressure (PAOP). The most significant risk of this procedure is __________.
Read DetailsYou obtain an arterial blood gas analysis and do not ice the sample because you plan to analyze it immediately. However, you are called emergently to another patient’s room and leave the sample on the bed. 40 minutes later, you return to retrieve the sample. If you were to analyze the sample, how would PaCO2 be affected?
Read DetailsA 74-year-old female with COPD is intubated for 48 hours with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Four hours post extubation, her RR is 38 and SpO2 is 79%. Which therapeutic intervention do you recommend next, being mindful of reducing the patient’s chances of developing nosocomial pneumonia?
Read DetailsA patient with severe COPD is intubated for respiratory failure after he has experienced vomiting and diarrhea for four days. The following day, laboratory analysis reveals a reduced serum potassium but a normal anion gap. The patient is breathing comfortably on pressure controlled, continuous mandatory ventilation. Which of the following actions should the respiratory therapist recommend?
Read DetailsA 62-year-old male patient has been receiving conventional mechanical ventilation for 4 days. Current pressure control CMV ventilator settings: Inspiratory pressure 38 cmH2O, PEEP 18 cmH2O, FiO2 0.85. Exhaled tidal volumes average 8 mL/kg. Current assessment findings: Mean airway pressure: 28 cmH2O, SpO2 86%. What ventilator changes would you suggest?
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