Question

Which of the following patients obviously needs positive-pressure ventilation assistance?

a) A conscious but dyspneic patient with a pulse oximetry reading of 95%
b) An unconscious patient with a patent airway
c) A conscious patient with a respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min
d) A patient with shallow respirations and poor tidal volume

Answer 1

A patient with shallow respirations and poor tidal volume obviously requires positive-pressure ventilation assistance due to inadequate breath depth and volume indicating potential respiratory failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient who obviously needs positive-pressure ventilation assistance is the one with shallow respirations and poor tidal volume. Positive-pressure ventilation is required when a patient cannot breathe adequately on their own, which is indicated by inadequate depth and volume of breaths. A patient with shallow breaths isn't moving a sufficient amount of air into and out of the lungs, leading to poor gas exchange and the potential for respiratory failure.