Practice Quiz

Respiratory Therapist

Category - Initiation and Modification of Interventions

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When withdrawing life support from a terminally ill patient, a “death rattle” is often heard. What is the cause of this?
  1. Oscillation of secretions in the upper airway
  2. Increased respiratory drive
  3. Cyanosis
  4. Stridor
Explanation
Answer: A-The death rattle is secretions oscillating in the upper airway post extubation.

After withdrawing life support, it is common to see an increased respiratory drive or cyanosis caused by decreased FIO2 delivered to patient, but they are not referred to as the death rattle. Stridor is a high-pitched noise that is commonly found post extubation from airway swelling or trauma but is not referred to as the death rattle.
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