The pilot balloon on the endotracheal tube of a client being mechanically ventilated is deflated.What is the nurse's priority action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pilot balloon indicates whether the endotracheal tube cuff is inflated or deflated.A deflated balloon means that the cuff is also deflated and a seal is no longer present around the tube to prevent air from escaping.Thus,some of the air being moved into the client's airway by the ventilator is escaping through the client's trachea before it reaches the lower airways and alveoli.The nurse should inflate the cuff.Calling the Rapid Response Team is not necessary,and increasing tidal volume will not improve oxygenation if the cuff is leaking.

The Pilot Balloon on the Endotracheal Tube of a Client