A patient is being evaluated for tracheal damage sustained while having undergone prolonged tracheostomy intubation approximately 3 months earlier. The flow-volume loop demonstrates a fixed obstructive pattern. What is the most likely cause of the problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tracheal stenosis is a narrowing of the trachea, which could cause a fixed obstructive pattern on flow-volume loop testing. Tracheomalacia, laryngeal web, and cord paralysis could also cause airway obstruction, but they typically present with a variable or dynamic obstructive pattern.

A Patient Is Being Evaluated for Tracheal Damage Sustained While