Question

Which of the following measures taken on adult patients indicate unacceptably high ventilatory demands or work of breathing?

a. Ve of 17 L/min
b. breathing rate of 22/min
c. Vd/Vt of 0.45
d. MIP of -40 cm H₂O

Answer 1

Breathing rate of 22/min and MIP of -40 cm H₂O indicate unacceptably high ventilatory demands or work of breathing in adult patients.

Step-by-step explanation:

The measures that indicate unacceptably high ventilatory demands or work of breathing in adult patients are:

1. Breathing rate of 22/min: A breathing rate of 22 breaths per minute is higher than the average respiratory rate of 12-15 breaths per minute. This increased respiratory rate suggests increased ventilatory demands and higher work of breathing.
2. MIP of -40 cm H₂O: A maximal inspiratory pressure, or MIP, measures the strength of the respiratory muscles. A MIP of -40 cm H₂O indicates decreased respiratory muscle strength, which requires increased work of breathing.