A patient whom you are trying to wean below 5 cm H₂O pressure support develops respiratory muscle fatigue. Which of the following would you recommend to overcome this problem?
1) Make sure there is adequate O₂ transport or cardiac output.
2) Make sure that the patient is adequately nourished.
3) Check and replace any depleted electrolytes.
4) Clear secretions and provide bronchodilation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the options listed are important in addressing respiratory muscle fatigue. Ensuring adequate oxygen transport or cardiac output (1), adequate nutrition (2), and checking/replacing depleted electrolytes (3) are all supportive measures that can help improve the overall status of the patient's respiratory muscles. Additionally, clearing secretions and providing bronchodilation (4) can directly improve the work of breathing and reduce the demand on the respiratory muscles. Therefore, the best choice is D - all of the above options.

A Patient Whom You Are Trying to Wean Below 5