The respiratory therapist is called to evaluate Lady Galadri…

The respiratory therapist is called to evaluate Lady Galadriel, a patient known to have advanced emphysema. She is wearing a nasal cannula at 6 L/min. The nurse says that she has become drowsy and less responsive since the oxygen was given to her an hour ago. Her ABG results on the oxygen show the following: PaO2, 84 torr PaCO2, 65 torr pH, 7.32     Which of the following should be recommended? 1. Leave her on the cannula. 2. Change her to 24% O2 on an air entrainment mask and repeat the ABG in 20 minutes. 3. Change her to a simple oxygen mask and repeat the ABG in 20 minutes. 4. Let her rest undisturbed. 5. Monitor her closely for becoming more alert.

An uncooperative 13-year-old patient with status asthmaticus…

An uncooperative 13-year-old patient with status asthmaticus is being treated in the Emergency Department. The physician has ordered the patient to receive a 70% helium/30% oxygen mix and continuous nebulized albuterol. What should be recommended as the best way to deliver this?

After feeling a sudden chest pain and shortness of breath wh…

After feeling a sudden chest pain and shortness of breath while lifting weights, a 37-year-old Legolas drove himself to the Emergency Department. After starting oxygen therapy on the patient, the respiratory therapist performed a physical exam. Pertinent findings included a hyperresonant percussion note on the right side and tracheal shift to the left. Based on these findings, what is the patient’s most likely problem?