Classify the type of breaths a patient will be getting while they are pharmacologically paralyzed. 

A patient was transferred from the general care floor to the  ICU with respiratory distress. She cannot effectively move her arms due to severe bilateral muscle weakness from suspected myasthenia gravis. The doctor would like to try non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with the patient. How should the RT respond? 

What is an indication for increasing PEEP? 

Which conditions/disease processes are most likely to cause decreased static compliance? Select all that apply. 

What is the name of the variable that ends inspiration and begins exhalation? 

What ventilator settings should be used initially for a patient who was just intubated after receiving sedation and a paralytic? There is more than one acceptable option. Select all that apply 

A patient with severe ARDS is in the ICU. The respiratory therapist knows they’ll  have to make some adjustments to the ventilator settings to accommodate the patient’s low static lung compliance.  What changes should the RT make to the tidal volume goal range for this patient?    What changes will the RT likely need to make to set frequency?    Explain your answer to both questions. 

Which type of humidification should the respiratory therapist select for a patient with severe injuries from a car accident who is expected to require mechanical ventilation for a prolonged period? 

Explain one advantage and one disadvantage to a respiratory therapy department having more than one brand of ventilator available for patient use.  (Example, the University Hospital uses both Servos and Hamiltons).  

What is the most appropriate I:E for a patient with highly compliant lungs and increased expiratory airway resistance?