A respiratory therapist has been assigned to administer ACT to a patient with acute lobar atelectasis. What should the RT consider to determine the length and frequency of the treatment?
I. Most pediatric patients require ACTs for at least 60 minutes.
II. ACT is rarely needed more than every 4 hours.
III. ACT orders should be evaluated at least every 48 hours for patients in the ICU.
IV. ACT for patients with atelectasis due to CF requires at least 30 to 45 minutes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Treatments for patients with CF or bronchiectasis should be performed for at least 30 minutes, with many patients benefiting from therapy lasting 45 minutes or longer. Patients with severe dyspnea may require rest periods, which will further prolong therapy. Most pediatric respiratory care departments limit routine ACT treatments to 15 to 20 minutes. ACT is rarely needed more than every 4 hours, although selected patients may benefit from more frequent suctioning or coughing. ACT orders should be evaluated at least every 48 hours for patients in intensive care units, at least every 72 hours for acute care patients, or whenever there is a change in a patient's status.

A Respiratory Therapist Has Been Assigned to Administer ACT to a Patient