To maintain proper cuff pressure of an endotracheal tube (ET) when the patient is on mechanical ventilation, the nurse should
a. inflate the cuff with a minimum of 10 mL of air.
b. inflate the cuff until the pilot balloon is firm on palpation.
c. inject air into the cuff until a manometer shows 15 mm Hg pressure.
d. inject air into the cuff until a slight leak is heard only at peak inflation.
ANS: D
The minimal occluding volume technique involves injecting air into the cuff until an air leak is present only at peak inflation. The volume to inflate the cuff varies with the ET and the patient's size. Cuff pressure should be maintained at 20 to 25 mm Hg. An accurate assessment of cuff pressure cannot be obtained by palpating the pilot balloon.
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