Question

The respiratory therapist prepares to assist with a bronchoscopy of a patient in the ICU currently receiving mechanical ventilation in the VC,AC mode. The therapist should anticipate addressing all of the following considerations EXCEPT?

1) introduction of the bronchoscope will create increased resistance to flow.
2) the tidal volume of the patient must be closely monitored during the procedure.
3) the patient's extrinsic PEEP levels will increase.
4) peak inspiratory pressure on the ventilator will rise.

Answer 1

During a bronchoscopy, except for an increase in extrinsic PEEP levels, the presence of the bronchoscope will increase resistance and peak inspiratory pressure, and tidal volume must be closely monitored.

Step-by-step explanation:

The respiratory therapist anticipates addressing numerous considerations during a bronchoscopy for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation in the VC,AC mode, except for the assertion that the patient's extrinsic PEEP levels will increase. Introduction of the bronchoscope will indeed create increased resistance to flow, leading to a potential rise in peak inspiratory pressure. Simultaneously, careful monitoring of the tidal volume is crucial to ensure appropriate ventilation during the procedure. However, extrinsic PEEP is a parameter set on the ventilator and should not increase solely due to the insertion of a bronchoscope.