A 42 year-old trauma patient in the ED has been intubated with a 6.5 mm oral endotracheal tube equipped with a high-residual-volume, low-pressure cuff. The respiratory therapist notes that a cuff pressure of 42 cm H2O is necessary to achieve a minimal occluding volume. This would indicate that the

A. tube is not of the appropriate size.
B. pilot balloon and line are obstructed.
C. pressure manometer is defective.
D. cuff has herniated over the tip of the tube.

Answer: A. tube is not of the appropriate size.