Which of the following are potential complications of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy? 1. Barotrauma 2. Hyperventilation 3. Gastric distention 4. Hypercapnia

a. 1 and 3 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1, 3, and 4 only
d. 2, 3, and 4 only


ANS: A
The increased work of breathing caused by the apparatus can lead to hypoventilation and hyper-capnia. In addition, because CPAP does not augment spontaneous ventilation, patients with an accompanying ventilatory insufficiency may hypoventilate during application. Barotrauma is a potential hazard of CPAP and is more likely to occur in the patient with emphysema and blebs. Gastric distention may occur, especially if CPAP pressures above 15 cm H2O are needed.

Health Professions

You might also like to view...

Which of the following would be appropriate for use on animate surfaces?

a. antiseptic b. decontaminant c. disinfectant d. sterilant

Health Professions

Which type of syringe has no calibrations?

a. Asepto b. bulb/ear c. Luer-Lok d. Luer-Slip

Health Professions

A disorder caused by treatment is said to be:

A) idiopathic B) iatrogenic C) infectious D) incidental

Health Professions

How do caries appear radiographically compared to radiopaque enamel?

What will be an ideal response?

Health Professions