Respiratory Therapist

Category - Initiation and Modification of Interventions

A mechanically ventilated patient’s exhaled tidal volume is 360 mL. The settings are VT 500, RR 15 with an FIO2 of 60%.

What could cause the discrepancy between set and exhaled tidal volumes?
  1. A leak in the airway cuff
  2. A leak in the expiratory tubing
  3. The pressure alarm is too high
  4. The flow rate is too high
Explanation
Answers: A and B-If a patient’s tidal volume is set at 500 ml, but end tidal volume reveals 360; the therapist should check for a leak in the expiratory tubing and the airway cuff.

To ensure patient is receiving proper ventilation, the therapist should frequently compare the exhaled tidal volume to the set tidal volume.
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