A previously healthy 35year old male patient has been admitt…
A previously healthy 35year old male patient has been admitted for unknown neuromuscular weakness. The patient is 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) tall and weighs 73 kg (160 lb). The following data have been obtained over the past 4 hours: 9 am 10 am 11 am 12 pm Respiratory rate (min) 14 16 18 22 Tidal volume (mL) 550 500 480 420 Vital capacity (mL) 1950 1610 1200 800 The patient is having difficulty clearing oral secretions. A respiratory therapist should initiate: