Use of an externally powered, small-volume nebulizer for aerosol delivery during partial ventila-tory support with PSV may cause which of the following?

1. High VT alarm activation
2. Triggering difficulties
3. Low pressure alarm activation
4. Ventilator inoperative alarm
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 and 3
c. 3 and 4
d. 1 and 4

ANS: A
When a continuous flow nebulizer is placed between the patient and the sensing mechanism, the patient often finds it more difficult to generate the effort to trigger the ventilator. High VT deliv-ery can occur when externally powered, small-volume nebulizers are used for aerosol delivery.