For which of the following patients requiring ventilatory support would you recommend against using a heat-moisture exchanger (HME) for airway humidification?
1) Patient with an expired V_Tless than 70% of the delivered V_T
2) Patient with a spontaneous minute ventilation of 14 L/min
3) Patient with body temperature less than 32° C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heat-moisture exchangers (HMEs) are contraindicated or not recommended for patients with expired tidal volumes less than 70% of the delivered tidal volume, those with high spontaneous minute ventilation (e.g., >10 L/min), and patients with hypothermia (body temperature less than 32° C), as these conditions can impair the HME's effectiveness or exacerbate the patient's condition.

For Which of the Following Patients Requiring Ventilatory Support Would