What additional risk, not as prevalent in paediatric patients, is present in the elderly patient regarding the administration of artificial ventilation when in cardiac arrest?
A. Hyperoxygenation.
B. Development of a pneumothorax.
C. Ventilations must occur faster in the elderly patient.
D. Ventilation volumes are larger in the paediatric patient.
Answer: B. Development of pneumothorax.
Elderly patients more commonly have some form of COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis). The arrest may have been caused by an exacerbation of the COPD, which led to hypoxemia, acidosis, and then arrest. Remember that COPD disorders can weaken the lung tissue and cause the development of a pneumothorax and collapse of the lung. (This too may precipitate a cardiac arrest). Be alert for the presence or the development of a pneumothorax during positive pressure ventilation, which may cause a blob on the lung tissue to rupture. Although paediatrics can also be at risk for a pneumothorax, elderly patients with COPD disorder are at higher risk.
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