The therapist is working with a mechanically ventilated patient who has a heat and moisture (HME) exchanger in place. The therapist would like to determine if the HME is providing adequate humidification to the patient. How could the therapist ascertain the effectiveness of the HME?
A. noting the quality of the patient's secretions during endotracheal suctioning
B. inspecting for the accumulation of condensate inside the plastic of the HME
C. examining for the presence of condensate inside the ventilator tubing between the HME and the patient Y-connector
D. touching the HME to feel for warmth from the patient's expirate
ANS: C
A. Incorrect response: Noting the quality of the patient's secretions may require too much time to elapse before the efficiency of an HME is detected.
B. Incorrect response: Checking for the presence of moisture inside the HME does not provide information concerning the effectiveness of an HME.
C. Correct response: The presence of beads of moisture along the inside of the ventilator tubing between the HME and the patient Y-connector signifies the presence of greater than 100% relative humidity.
D. Incorrect response: The perception of warmth from an HME does not indicate the HME is functioning effectively.
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