Question

While ventilating an intubated patient with a​ bag-valve-mask-unit, you notice increased resistance to the ventilations. This may indicate​ that:

A. cardiac arrest is imminent.
B. air is escaping through a hole in the lung and filling the pleural space.
C. the patient is becoming more alert and is breathing independently.
D. the gag reflex is returning.

Answer 1

Increased resistance to ventilations in an intubated patient may indicate air escaping through a hole in the lung and filling the pleural space.

Step-by-step explanation:

Increased resistance to ventilations in an intubated patient with a​ bag-valve-mask unit may indicate that air is escaping through a hole in the lung and filling the pleural space (option B). This is known as a pneumothorax, which is a condition where air accumulates in the space between the lung and the chest wall. It can lead to difficulty in ventilating the patient effectively and can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention.