A respiratory therapist is adjusting the ET tube cuff pressu…

A respiratory therapist is adjusting the ET tube cuff pressure on a patient receiving positive pressure ventilatory support.  The therapist is using the minimum leak technique to adjust the volume in the cuff.  After insertion of air into the cuff, the therapist auscultates the neck and notices a slight passage of air around the cuff at the top of each mechanical inspiration.  The therapist should

You are checking a ventilator and notice that the peak press…

You are checking a ventilator and notice that the peak pressure has decreased from 30 to 15 cm H2O and the volume on the exhaled tidal volume display has dropped from 800 to 400 ml. Which of the following may have happened? The patient has become disconnected from the circuit. The exhalation tubing has loosened. The cuff on the endotracheal tube has been deflated or has developed a leak. The temperature probe site is not capped tightly. There is water in the tubing.

What actions may be necessary if the high-pressure alarm on…

What actions may be necessary if the high-pressure alarm on a mechanical ventilator repeatedly sounds? Determine if suctioning is indicated. Auscultate the chest for bilateral breath sounds. Determine if there is a kink in the tube. Check the system for leaks.