ICU SAQs · Mechanical ventilation
The rising airway pressure
A classic Second-Part data/mechanics stem. The discriminator is peak versus plateau pressure, which separates a resistance problem (airway/circuit) from a compliance problem (lung or chest wall). Bedside manoeuvres and the respiratory-mechanics formulae are tested.
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Prompt
A ventilated patient on volume control triggers a high airway-pressure alarm; the peak inspiratory pressure has risen from 22 to 48 cmH2O. Outline your systematic approach to identifying and correcting the cause.
Question
A ventilated patient on volume control triggers a high airway-pressure alarm; the peak inspiratory pressure has risen from 22 to 48 cmH2O. Outline your systematic approach to identifying and correcting the cause.[1]
References3ShowHide
- [1]Bersten AD, Soni N (eds). Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th edition, Elsevier, 2018.
- [2]Marino PL. The ICU Book. 4th edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2014.
- [3]Dreyfuss D, et al. High Inflation Pressure Pulmonary Edema. Respective Effects of High Airway Pressure, High Tidal Volume, and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure. American Review of Respiratory Disease, 1988.PMID 3057957