The unit residence asked you to reduce the risk of contamination caused by condensation in the circuit of a mechanically ventilated patient. Which of the following would help to reduce or eliminate condensation in this patient's circuit?
a. Using a heat and moisture exchange (HME)
b. By draining the circuit on a daily basis
c. By not using any form of heater at all
d. By lowering the temperature in the heater
ANS: A
By replacing an active humidification system by a passive humidification one (HME), there will be less condensation in the circuit because no water is being used to heat and moisten the air, but instead the patient's own body heat is used. Draining the circuit daily, not using heat, or lowering the heater temperature is not acceptable and may place the patient at risk of infection caused by inspissated secretions among other consequences.
You might also like to view...
When discussing the 2010 naming convention, all of the following statements are true except
a. The first set of numbers is called the allele family. b. The second set of numbers is assigned in order of the allele's discovery. c. The third set of numbers differentiates alleles that have different DNA sequences in the noncoding areas of the gene. d. The fourth set of numbers refers to differences in the untranslated end pieces of DNA.
When assisting with a helicopter landing at night, you should:
A) leave your headlights on to signify your location. B) avoid shining a spotlight up at the descending aircraft. C) place a single strobe light in the center of the landing zone. D) refrain from parking the ambulance under overhead wires.