A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient receiving ventilatory support in the CMV assist-control mode at a rate of 14 and a VT of 750 ml exhibits clinical signs of air trapping

Which of the following would you recommend to correct this problem?
1. Decrease "E" time.
2. Increase the inspiratory flow rate.
3. Decrease the assist-control rate.
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1 and 3 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2, and 3

ANS: C
Higher flow (up to 100 L/min) may improve gas exchange in COPD patients, probably because of the resulting increase in expiratory time.