Question

A respiratory therapist notes that a patient is using accessory

muscle during mechanical ventilation. The ventilator graphics
indicate the presence of patient-ventilator asynchrony. The
respiratory th

Answer 1

A respiratory therapist who notices a patient employing accessory muscles during mechanical ventilation is seeing signs of patient-ventilator asynchrony, indicating that the patient's breathing is out of sync with the ventilator, potentially leading to increased work of breathing and decreased oxygenation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A respiratory therapist plays a crucial role in assessing and managing patients with respiratory issues, especially those on mechanical ventilation. When a patient is observed using accessory muscles during mechanical ventilation, it suggests an increased work of breathing, which may be indicative of patient-ventilator asynchrony. This situation implies that the patient's breathing is not properly synchronized with the ventilator's cycles, leading to inefficient breathing efforts and potentially reduced oxygenation.

Respiratory therapists are trained to handle such situations by adjusting ventilator settings to improve synchrony, evaluating the potential causes of asynchrony, such as inappropriate ventilator settings or changes in the patient's respiratory status, and involving other medical team members to ensure comprehensive patient care. Monitoring ventilator graphics can aid therapists in identifying and rectifying the asynchrony, and the goal is to achieve a more efficient and less strenuous pattern of breathing for the patient.