A VAI patient with a TT is having a trial of cuff deflation to allow for speech.The patient's voice is "weak," and he can speak only two or three words with each exhalation.The respiratory therapist could adjust which ventilator settings to improve the patient's speech?
1)Expiratory time
2)Inspiratory time
3)Volume
4)PEEP

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the cuff is deflated,the ventilator increases flow during exhalation to maintain the set PEEP because a leak is detected.PEEP impedes expiratory flow through the ventilator expiratory valve,so air flows through the larynx.By using a longer inspiratory time and PEEP,the additive effect produces increased speaking time and improved speech quality.

A VAI Patient with a TT Is Having a Trial