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Question: A 34-year-old patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome has had progressive respiratory distress for the past 6 hours. He is presently on a 2-L/min nasal cannula. The MIP has changed from -45 to -23 cm H2O. The following data have been recorded: RR 36 b/min HR 104 b/min pH 7.35 PaCO2 44 mm Hg PaO2 72 mm Hg HCO3 26 mEq/L BE +1 mEq/L On the basis of these data, the respiratory therapist should recommend which of the following?

Before giving an asthmatic patient a breathing treatment with an aerosolized bronchodilator, the respiratory therapist notices that breath sounds are diminished bilaterally. After the patient inhales the medication, it is noticed that the patient’s breath sounds reveal wheezing in all lung fields. Based on this, what can be concluded?

Which of the following additional medications would you recommend?

A hypotensive patient is spontaneously breathing room air when an arterial blood gas sample is taken for analysis. The following values are found: pH 7.27 PaCO2 25 mm Hg PaO2 105 mm Hg HCO3– 12 mEq/L BE –12 mEq/L Based on this information, what best describes the patient’s condition?

A patient with an upper airway obstruction is receiving helium-oxygen therapy by a nonrebreathing mask. The respiratory therapist notices that the reservoir bag is completely collapsing on inspiration. What is the cause of the problem?

After assuring a secure airway and ventilation with an FIO2 of 100%, what is the next treatment for a suspected local anesthesia toxicity reaction?

Which two peripheral nerves branch off of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus? (select all that apply)

An adult patient with congestive heart failure has written a do not resuscitate (DNR) advance directive. While performing oxygen therapy rounds, you notice her ECG monitor shows ventricular fibrillation and then asystole. What should be done?

 A patient on 50% oxygen has a PaO2 of 252 mm Hg. Which of the following should the respiratory therapist recommend?

A four-year- old child presents in the ED short of breath, febrile, drooling and complaining of a sore throat. A lateral neck x-ray is done and indicates the presence of a “thumb sign.” Based on this evaluation, the patient most likely has which of the following?