A patient is receiving full ventilatory support with volume ventilation.At 0700 the respiratory therapist observes the pressure-,volume-,and flow-time scalars shown in "A" below.Six hours later the respiratory therapist observes the scalars shown in "B." The most appropriate action to take is which of the following?

A) Increase the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEE
P) level.
B) Check the circuit for a leak.
C) Administer a bronchodilator.
D) Switch to pressure ventilation.

Question

A patient is receiving full ventilatory support with volume ventilation.At 0700 the respiratory therapist observes the pressure-,volume-,and flow-time scalars shown in "A" below.Six hours later the respiratory therapist observes the scalars shown in "B." The most appropriate action to take is which of the following?

A) Increase the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEE
P) level. 
B) Check the circuit for a leak. 
C) Administer a bronchodilator. 
D) Switch to pressure ventilation.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All three scalars show signs of increased airway resistance.The pressure-time scalar shows an increase in peak inspiratory pressure (PIP).The volume-time scalar shows that it is taking longer for the patient to exhale all the volume.The flow-time scalar shows that the expiratory flow is very slow and takes a long time to rise to the zero baseline.

A Patient Is Receiving Full Ventilatory Support with Volume Ventilation