Blog

Which of the following is most likely to increase the possibility of tracheal wall damage caused by excessive tracheostomy tube cuff pressure?

Soon after endotracheal tube extubation, an adult patient exhibits a high-pitched inspiratory noise, heard without a stethoscope.  Which of the following actions would you recommend?

A patient receiving mechanical ventilation has recently undergone a tracheotomy.  He writes a note saying he is having difficulty catching his breath.  The respiratory therapist checks the incision area for signs of infection and position of the tracheostomy tube.  The cuff pressure is checked and registers 0 mmHg.  Air is inserted through the pilot balloon and the pressure remains at 0 mmHg.  What action should the therapist take?

Positioning the patient’s head to align the mouth, pharynx, and larynx when preparing for intubation is referred to as the “sniffing” position.

You are a respiratory therapist at Livelong Extended Care Facility.  You just received an order to instruct Mr. Smith on the use of a Passy-Muir valve.  Your instructions would include all of the following except?

What would you classify the following image of using the  Mallampati?Class 4.PNG 

Which of the following is necessary safety equipment in a trach patient’s room?1. Stylet 2. Obturator 3. Extra ET Tube 4. AMBU Bag 5. Suction Catheters 6. Extra Trach (same size and smaller) 7. Extra Inner Cannulas 8. Hollister 

The purpose of an endotracheal tube stylet is to add flexibility and soft shape to ease insertion.

A patient with a tracheotomy tube is exhibiting severe respiratory distress.  On quick examination, you notice the complete absence of breath sounds and no gas flowing through tracheotomy tube.  You attempt to quickly suction patient but unable to pass suction catheter.  What is most likely the problem?

Which of the following indicators can be used to assess a patient’s readiness for decannulation? 1. Patient’s ability to speak and follow commands 2. Patient’s mobility of extremities  3. Patient’s level of sensorium 4. Patient’s suctioning requirements 5. Patient’s ventilator dependency