To effectively document and assess the need for endotracheal intubation in a patient with neu-romuscular disease, which of the following would be most appropriate?

a. Spirometry every 4 to 6 hr
b. Chest x-ray every shift
c. Polysomnograpy testing
d. Monitoring SpO2 with pulse oximeter

ANS: A
Patients with dyspnea, orthopnea, or impaired ability to maintain a patent airway should receive spirometry every 4 to 6 hr for documentation of function and assessment of the need for endo-tracheal intubation.