A mechanically ventilated patient with a tracheostomy tube is on the following settings: PC, SIMV, PIP 30 cmH2O, f 20/min, FIO2 0.60, PEEP 5 cmH2O. The ventilator alarm suddenly begins to sound and on quick examination, the respiratory therapist notices a generalized decrease in breath sounds and a reduction in delivered tidal volume from 650 mL to 500 mL. Which of the following conditions is most likely?

A. The patient has been disconnected.
B. Complete obstruction of the tracheostomy tube.
C. Development of a left-sided pneumothorax.
D. Partial obstruction of the tracheostomy tube.


Answer: D. Partial obstruction of the tracheostomy tube.

Health Professions

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