A patient has full-thickness burns to his face,chest,back,and bilateral upper arms.He was injured less than 24 hours ago.He sustained these injuries in a house fire and is presumed to have inhaled smoke and sustained an inhalation injury as well.He was nasally intubated in the emergency department and placed on mechanical ventilatory support.He is now showing signs of increasing agitation and is demonstrating high peak airway (ventilatory)pressures.What is the likely cause in this change in his condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Circumferential full-thickness burns to the chest wall can lead to restriction of chest wall expansion and decreased compliance.Decreased compliance requires higher ventilatory pressures to provide the patient with adequate tidal volumes.

A Patient Has Full-Thickness Burns to His Face,chest,back,and Bilateral Upper