A patient being ventilated with APRV has the following settings: Phigh = 24 cm H2O; Thigh = 5 sec; Plow = 4 cm H2O; Tlow = 1 second, FIO2 = 0.3
The patient's spontaneous respiratory rate is 10 breaths/min. The current arterial blood gas values are: PaO2 = 91 mm Hg; PaCO2 = 62 mm Hg. What should the respiratory therapist recommend for this patient?
a. Increase the Plow to 5.5 cm H2O.
b. Decrease the Tlow to 0.5 sec.
c. Increase the Phigh to 40 cm H2O.
d. Decrease the Plow to 0 cm H2O.
ANS: D
To decrease the PaCO2, the Phigh/Plow gradient needs to be increased without increasing the Phigh above 35 cm H2O. Decreasing the Plow to 0 cm H2O is one way to increase that gradient. Increas-ing the Plow would decrease the gradient and therefore the VT. Although raising the Phigh would increase the pressure gradient and therefore the VT, pressures above 35 cm H2O increase the risk of overdistention injury.
You might also like to view...
What is the name of a physician who specializes in treating the elderly patient?
A. Gynecologist B. Gerontologist C. Gastroenterologist D. Cardiologist
A stock vial of NaCl has a concentration of 4 mEq/mL, and a concentration of 48 mEq is needed. What volume is needed?
A) 16 mL B) 4 mL C) 12 mL D) 8 mL
The overwhelming majority of fire prevention efforts are concentrated on residential communities.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
The endocrine system is a group of glands that secretes hormones into the blood
Indicate whether the statement is true or false