A patient suffering from postoperative complications has been receiving mechanical ventilation for 6 days with a volume ventilator
A heat-moisture exchanger (HME) is providing control over humidification and airway tempera-ture. Over the past 24 hr, the patient's secretions have decreased in quantity but are thicker and more purulent. Which of the following actions would you suggest at this time?
a. Replace the HME.
b. Switch over to a heated wick humidifier.
c. Administer acetylcysteine every 2 hr via the nebulizer.
d. Increase the frequency of suctioning.
ANS: B
We prefer an optimal humidity approach and use of a heated humidifier to deliver gas in the range of 35° to 37° C at the airway.
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An ambulance with two EMTs arrives in front of a house for an unknown medical emergency. On scene, bystanders report that a female patient was beaten by her husband in the driveway and then dragged back into the house. They state that the patient appeared unconscious and was bleeding from the head. Which action would the EMTs perform next?
A) Do not enter the scene until it has been controlled by law enforcement B) Quietly enter the home and quickly move the patient to the ambulance C) Remove the husband from the house, then provide emergency care to the wife D) Enter the home to protect the patient while waiting for the police to arrive
Astragalus is indicated for:
A) urinary tract infections B) diarrhea C) skin irritation D) upper respiratory infections