The therapist taking care of an infant on iNO observes that the NO₂ levels have been increasing. In order to correct the situation, he increases the inspiratory flow of the ventilator. What will be some of the limitations associated with this change?
I. It reduces time of contact between NO and O₂.
II. It affects the mean airway pressure because it changes the inspiratory time.
III. It may increase the delivered tidal volume.
IV. It reduces the mean airway pressure and increases the inspiratory time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decreasing the NO or oxygen concentration is usually not an option; therefore, to reduce NO₂ delivery to the patient, reduce the duration of contact between NO and oxygen. Two methods accomplish this: (1) increase the inspiratory flow or (2) add the NO as close to the patient as possible. Each of these methods has practical limitations. Increasing the ventilator flow will reduce the time of contact between NO and oxygen before reaching the patient, but it may also affect inspiratory time, tidal volume, mean airway pressure, and so on.

The Therapist Taking Care of an Infant on INO Observes