Postural drainage and percussion have been ordered for a pat…
Postural drainage and percussion have been ordered for a patient with cystic fibrosis with right lower lobe atelectasis. While in the Trendelenburg position, the patient’s heart rate increases from 74 to 100 beats/min and the respiratory rate increases from 18 to 28 breaths/min. The patient becomes agitated and states, “I can’t breathe when my head is down.” The respiratory therapist should do which of the following?
Read DetailsA 68-kg (150-lb) man with severe emphysema arrives in the e…
A 68-kg (150-lb) man with severe emphysema arrives in the emergency department with shortness of breath and is placed on a 28% air entrainment mask. ABG samples are drawn and the results are as follows: pH 7.34 PaCO2 82 mm Hg PaO2 43 mm Hg HCO3 40 mEq/L BE +14 mEq/L On the basis of this information, which of the following ABG levels should the respiratory therapist be most concerned about?
Read DetailsA 57-year-old patient with severe COPD enters the emergency…
A 57-year-old patient with severe COPD enters the emergency department with shortness of breath. Room air ABG levels are as follows: pH 7.44 PaCO2 49 mm Hg PaO2 47 mm Hg HCO3 37 mEq/L BE +12 mEq/L Based on this information, which of the following is the most appropriate therapy?
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