The following capnographic tracing is noted for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation:A respiratory therapist should

 An adult victim of a burn injury is being monitored in the ICU.  Patient data are as follows:Pv¯O2               45 torrPCWP                4 mm HgPPA              11 mm HgCVP                4 cm H2OUrine output     5 mL/hrA respiratory therapist should conclude the patient is

A 39-year-old patient who is morbidly obese is admitted to the ED with fever, productive cough, and shortness of breath.  The patient’s vital signs are stable and he is awake and alert.  After initiation of bronchodilator therapy and antibiotics, results for serial blood gas analyses reveal:                           10 AM         11 AMFIO2                    0.21         0.50pH                       7.28         7.22PaCO2                72 torr      85 torrPaO2                  45 torr      56 torrHCO3-                34 mEq/L 35 mEq/LBE                       +5 mEq/L   +4 mEq/LSaO2 (calc)            80%         89% The patient’s clinical condition remains unchanged.  Which of the following should a respiratory therapist do NEXT?

A patient’s V/Q scan indicates an excess of ventilation compared to perfusion in the left lower lobe.  These results suggest

A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen by a nasal cannula at 1 L/min.  The target SpO2 is 90%.  The following data are obtained:pH             7.35PaCO2       64 torrPaO2          52 torrHCO3-       35 mEq/LBE              +7 mEq/L  HR             100RR               18BP        145/90 mm HgSpO2          85%Which of the following should the respiratory therapist recommend FIRST?

The information below was obtained from a pulmonary function report for a 40-year-old male who weighs 73 kg (161 lb) and is 177 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall:FEV1           2.16 L (53% of predicted)FVC             2.50 L (55% of predicted)FEV1/FVC     90%DLCO         51% of predictedThere is no response to bronchodilator therapy.  Which of the following should a respiratory therapist recommend NEXT?

A 70-kg (154-lb) and 191-cm (6-ft 3-in) postoperative patient is receiving VC, A/C ventilation.  Pertinent data are below: FIO2 0.30Mandatory rate12Total rate14VT500 mLInspiratory time 1.0 secPEEP5 cm H2O   pH          7.29PaCO2        51 torrPaO2        86 torrHCO3-        25 mEq/LBE         -2 mEq/L  Which of the following should a respiratory therapist recommend?

When reviewing the chart of a newly admitted patient, a respiratory therapist finds the patient has COPD and a 70-pack-year smoking history.  The patient was admitted for dyspnea.  The patient is somnolent and can protect his airway.  Which of the following should the therapist recommend FIRST?

Chest physiotherapy is initiated for a patient who is alert and oriented.  As therapy progresses, a respiratory therapist notices the patient is no longer responsive to verbal stimuli.  The therapist checks the patient’s pulse and finds that the heart rate is 30.  The patient has a respiratory rate of 6.  Which of the following should the therapist do NEXT?

A patient is intubated after a motor vehicle crash.  A respiratory therapist palpates asymmetrical chest movement during inspiration, but no crepitus.  Breath sounds are diminished on the left.  Which of the following should the therapist do FIRST?