A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has a tracheostomy tube in place.He has been unable to perform an SBT successfully and has been receiving mechanical ventilation for 4 months.An appropriate recommendation for this patient might be which of the following?
1)Transfer to a long-term care facility
2)Evaluation for the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV)
3)Termination of ventilation
4)Waiting until the primary cause of respiratory failure has been resolved

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Unless evidence of irreversible disease exists,a patient who requires prolonged ventilatory support should not be considered permanently ventilator dependent until 3 months have passed and all weaning attempts during that time have failed.Those failing to wean may require placement in a long-term care facility.

A Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Has a Tracheostomy Tube