The therapist is performing closed-circuit system suctioning on a patient receiving mechanical ventilation on a ventilator that has an active exhalation valve. During an inspiration, the patient suddenly coughs violently. How will the ventilator respond to this occurrence?
A. Inspiration continues, and the high-pressure alarm activates.
B. Patient-ventilator dyssynchrony will develop.
C. The patient will exhale, while the inspiratory pressure remains constant.
D. The exhalation valve will remain closed until inspiration terminates.
ANS: C
A. Incorrect response: Traditionally, exhalation valves close during inspiration and open during exhalation.
B. Incorrect response: The newer active exhalation valves have done much to improve patient-ventilator synchrony.
C. Correct response: An active exhalation valve accommodates both inspiratory and expiratory flows simultaneously. Consequently, as the patient coughs and generates high pressure, the exhalation valve allows this high pressure to exit the system. Inspiratory flow continues uninterrupted.
D. Incorrect response: See explanation C.
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