A patient is receiving continuous positive airway pressure from a freestanding, continuous-flow system. The respiratory therapist notices the pressure-release valve venting on each patient exha-lation
What action should the respiratory therapist take?
a. Replace the continuous positive airway pressure device
b. Decrease the flow rate
c. Increase the pressure level
d. Remove the pressure-release valve
ANS: A
When the pressure-release valve is activated, it indicates that the threshold resistor or spring-loaded valve is jammed, and the patient's exhaled volume is not exiting through the con-tinuous positive airway pressure valve. This is not proper function and indicates that the device needs to be replaced.
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