Question

You have intubated a​ 66-year-old female who was experiencing an acute exacerbation of her emphysema. What special consideration does this​ patient, with her specific​ pathology, require?

A. She requires hyperventilation to blow off excess CO2.
B. Oxygen flow should be limited to 4 lpm because of the hypoxic drive common in COPD patients.
C. While​ ventilating, you must allow for a prolonged expiratory phase.
D. She requires​ frequent, deep suctioning.

Answer 1

Patients with emphysema in an acute exacerbation require special considerations during intubation, including allowing for a prolonged expiratory phase, not limiting oxygen flow due to hypoxic drive, and potentially requiring deep suctioning.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients with emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may require special considerations when being intubated. One important consideration is to allow for a prolonged expiratory phase while ventilating the patient. This is because the breakdown of alveolar walls in emphysema reduces the surface area for gas exchange, making it difficult for the patient to fully exhale air from the lungs. Additionally, oxygen flow should not be limited to 4 lpm because patients with COPD may rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe, meaning they respond to low oxygen levels rather than high carbon dioxide levels. Lastly, deep suctioning may be necessary to help clear secretions from the airways.