A respiratory therapist is performing a routine patient/ventilator check on a mechanically ventilated patient. Returned tidal volume is 150 mL less than delivered. A high-pitched audible leak is auscultated through the neck. What is the appropriate response?
A. reposition the patient
B. advance the endotracheal tube 1 cm
C. add air to the cuff
D. increase delivered tidal volume
Ans: C. The high-pitched audible leak auscultating over the neck in conjunction with a low returned tidal volume is most likely an indication of insufficient pressure in the endotracheal tube cuff. Adding air to the cuff is most appropriate.
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Subjective information in the medical record includes the history of the present illness (HPI)
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.