A patient's transairway pressure (Pᴛᴀ)is rising while the plateau pressure (P_plateau)remains unchanged.The treatment plan that could correct this problem includes which of the following? 1)Administer a bronchodilator. 2)Insert a chest tube. 3)Increase extrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPᴇ). 4)Suction airway secretions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An increase in the transairway pressure (Pᴛᴀ)reflects the need for an increased amount of pressure to overcome airway resistance (Rₐᴡ).Rₐᴡ most often increases when the patient's airway needs suctioning,the patient is biting on the tube,the tube is kinked,or the patient has mucosal edema or bronchospasms (or both).Bronchospasm is treated with the administration of a bronchodilator,and retained airway secretions may be removed by suctioning.The presence of a pneumothorax requiring a chest tube would manifest an increase in plateau pressure (Pₚₗₐₜₑₐᵤ)along with other signs not present in this scenario.If the Pₚₗₐₜₑₐᵤ had been increased or if there was intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPɪ),increasing extrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPᴇ)might be a viable solution.

A Patient's Transairway Pressure (Pᴛᴀ)is Rising While the Plateau Pressure