A patient's transairway pressure (P_TA)is rising while the plateau pressure (P_plateau)remains unchanged.The treatment plan that could correct this problem includes which of the following? 1)Administer a bronchodilator. 2)Insert a chest tube. 3)Increase extrinsic positive-end-expiratory pressure (PEEP_E) 4)Suction airway secretions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An increase in the transairway pressure (P_TA)reflects the need for an increased amount of pressure to overcome airway resistance (R_aw).R_aw most often increases when the patient`s airway needs suctioning,the patient is biting on the tube,the tube is kinked,or the patient has mucosal edema or bronchospasms (or both).Bronchospasm is treated with the administration of a bronchodilator,and retained airway secretions may be removed by suctioning.The presence of a pneumothorax requiring a chest tube would manifest an increase in plateau pressure (P_plateau)along with other signs not present in this scenario.If the P_plateau had been increased or if there was intrinsic positive-end-expiratory pressure (PEEP_I)_,increasing extrinsic positive-end-expiratory pressure (PEEP_E)might be a viable solution.

A Patient's Transairway Pressure (PTA)is Rising While the Plateau Pressure

A Patient's Transairway Pressure (P_TA)is Rising While the Plateau Pressure