According to the American Association for Respiratory Care Clinical Practice Guideline: Humidification During Invasive and Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation, which of the following are contraindications for the use of a heat moisture exchanger (HME)?
I. thick copious secretions
II. body temperature less than 30 degrees Celsius
III. spontaneous minute volumes 10 L/min

Question

According to the American Association for Respiratory Care Clinical Practice Guideline: Humidification During Invasive and Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation, which of the following are contraindications for the use of a heat moisture exchanger (HME)?
I. thick copious secretions
II. body temperature less than 30 degrees Celsius
III. spontaneous minute volumes > 10 L/min

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heat moisture exchangers (HMEs) are contraindicated in patients with thick copious secretions because they can clog the HME, in patients with body temperature less than 30 degrees Celsius because the HME may not function effectively at very low body temperatures, and in patients with spontaneous minute volumes greater than 10 L/min because the HME may not provide adequate humidification at high flow rates.