The respiratory therapist is performing a patient-ventilator system check on a patient who was in a motor vehicle accident 2 days earlier.The therapist gathers the following information from the flow sheet:

Which condition most likely has produced the changes reflected in these data?
A) Bronchospasm
B) Abdominal distention
C) Secretion retention
D) Mucosal edema

Question

The respiratory therapist is performing a patient-ventilator system check on a patient who was in a motor vehicle accident 2 days earlier.The therapist gathers the following information from the flow sheet:

Which condition most likely has produced the changes reflected in these data?

Which condition most likely has produced the changes reflected in these data?
A) Bronchospasm 
B) Abdominal distention 
C) Secretion retention 
D) Mucosal edema

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference between the PIP and P_plateau is consistent throughout the documentation (3 cm H₂O).The P_plateau has increased over the course of the 36 hours,from 18 to 38 cm H₂O.This indicates a decrease in static lung compliance.Causes of this condition include ARDS,pneumonia,pneumothorax,pleural effusions,abdominal distention,and ascites.Bronchospasm,secretion retention,and mucosal edema would increase the transairway pressure (PIP - P_plateau).

The Respiratory Therapist Is Performing a Patient-Ventilator System Check on a Patient