Question

A patient with poor compliance is being ventilated in a pressure controlled mode. The PEEP level is set at 10 cm H2O with an FiO2 of 60%. The patient is manually ventilated with 100% O2 before suctioning. When the ventilator is disconnected from the ET tube and the therapist begins the procedure, there is a rapid drop in 02 staturation and a marked increase in the heart rate. 10. a. What is the possible cause of the problem? b. What can the therapist do to alleviate the situation?

Answer 1

a) The client is on ventilator as the respiratory system unable to function normally . So the client completely depend on ventilator for oxygen .

If we disconnect the ventilator for suctioning the oxygen supply is stopped , then the oxygen saturation is dropped and the rate increases.

b) the therapist need to clear the secretions quickly and connect to the ventilator early to alleviate the situation .

​​​​Monitor vital signs and half an hourly to asses the condition.

If the heart rate does not become normal then monitor ABG to analyse the problem reset the ventilator to improve the condition of client.