Your 75-kg (165-lb) 50-year-old male patient has Guillain-Barré syndrome. His most recent vital signs show a heart rate of 130/min, blood pressure of 125/85 mm Hg, and respiratory rate of 40/min. As the respiratory therapist, you have checked his breathing and found his VC is 1100 ml and NIF is -16 cm H₂O. What would you recommend?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the vital signs and the patient's low VC and negative inspiratory force, mechanical ventilation is needed to assist with his breathing. The high heart rate and respiratory rate indicate an increased workload on the heart and lungs, and the patient is at risk for respiratory failure. Monitoring with an electrocardiogram may also be necessary, but the priority is to address his breathing. CPAP may not be enough to provide the necessary respiratory support for this patient with significant respiratory distress. Assessing the patient each hour is important, but immediate action is needed to prevent respiratory failure.

Your 75-Kg (165-Lb) 50-Year-Old Male Patient Has Guillain-Barré Syndrome