The therapist is working with a mechanically ventilated patient who has a heated-wire breathing circuit attached to a heated humidifier. However, the therapist is puzzled by the frequent accumulation of condensate in the tubing. Which of the following conditions would likely account for this situation?
A. low ambient temperature
B. a heated humidifier and heated wire circuit temperature of 37o C
C. a heated humidifier temperature of 32o C, and a heated wire circuit temperature of 40o C
D. a heated humidifier with no heat output, and a heated wire circuit at a temperature of 37o C
ANS: A
A. Correct response: If the heated humidifier temperature is set higher than the temperature of the heated wire circuit, condensate will form in the heated wire breathing circuit. Rainout or condensate will accumulate in the patient's breathing circuit. The therapist should decrease the humidity control on the humidifier, or ensure no draft or obvious air currents are directed at the breathing circuit to avoid causing the temperature of the tubing to decrease. Otherwise, more condensate will form.
B. Incorrect response: Excess condensate will not accumulate. See explanation A.
C. Incorrect response: No condensate will form. See explanation A.
D. Incorrect response: No condensate will form. See explanation A.
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