An adult man on ventilatory support has just been intubated with a 7-mm oral endotracheal tube equipped with a high-residual-volume, low-pressure cuff. When sealing the cuff to achieve a minimal occluding volume, you note a cuff pressure of 45 cm H₂O. What is most likely the problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

High pressures may be caused by the need to overinflate the cuff to seal the airway. This problem is common if the tube chosen is too small for the patient's trachea, positioned too high in the trachea or if the patient has developed tracheomalacia which is softening of the tracheal tissue.

An Adult Man on Ventilatory Support Has Just Been Intubated