A 28-year-old female was admitted last night for weakness and what appears to be ascending muscle paralysis.The patient is alert and oriented.Physical findings reveal: pulse 96,regular;blood pressure (BP)134/83;temperature 37° C;respiratory rate (RR)24 shallow with bilateral decrease in air entry,and no adventitious breath sounds.The patient's arterial blood gas (ABG)results on room air are: pH 7.46;partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂)39 mmHg;partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂)80 mmHg;Sat 97%;bicarbonate (HCO₃-)26 mEq/L on room air.The most appropriate suggestion that the respiratory therapist should make for this patient includes which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although this patient is suffering from a neuromuscular disease,the patient's arterial blood gas results are within normal limits and therefore do not warrant the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)or noninvasive positive airway pressure (NPPV).Peak expiratory flow rate is most frequently used to assess airway resistance for patients with acute asthma.This patient requires frequent monitoring to assess her respiratory muscle strength,and that would be within the vital capacity.

A 28-Year-Old Female Was Admitted Last Night for Weakness and What