A patient who is mechanically ventilated requires a high level of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP).The nurse would monitor for which findings indicating possible barotrauma? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.
A)Sudden increase in systolic blood pressure.
B)Absent breath sounds.
C)Subcutaneous emphysema across the anterior chest.
D)Patient is somnolent.
E)Sudden deterioration of arterial blood gas (ABGs).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Barotrauma from high PEEP can lead to lung injury, causing absent breath sounds due to pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema from air escaping into tissues, and sudden deterioration in ABGs due to impaired gas exchange.

A Patient Who Is Mechanically Ventilated Requires a High Level