FCCS Respiratory Management Flashcards

In a patient on mechanical ventilation, sudden increase in peak airway pressure with unchanged plateau pressure most likely indicates:

Answer: Increased airway resistance (e.g., bronchospasm, secretions)

A rise in peak pressure without a change in plateau pressure reflects increased airway resistance, suggesting bronchospasm or secretion buildup.

What is the primary purpose of PEEP in mechanical ventilation?

Answer: Prevent alveolar collapse and improve oxygenation

PEEP maintains positive end-expiratory pressure to keep alveoli open, preventing cyclic collapse and improving ventilation-perfusion matching.

Which acid-base disturbance is most commonly caused by mechanical hyperventilation?

Answer: Respiratory alkalosis

Excessive ventilation lowers PaCO2, raising blood pH and causing respiratory alkalosis.

Before oral intubation, pre-oxygenation should ideally achieve what SpO2?

Answer: 100%

Pre-oxygenation to 100% SpO2 maximizes oxygen reserves and extends the safe apnea time during intubation attempts.

Endotracheal tube cuff pressure should be maintained between which values to prevent tracheal injury?

Answer: 20–30 cmH2O

Cuff pressure of 20–30 cmH2O provides an adequate seal while preventing tracheal mucosal ischemia from excessive pressure.

Which breath sound finding is most consistent with right mainstem intubation?

Answer: Absent breath sounds on the left

Right mainstem intubation ventilates only the right lung, causing absent or diminished breath sounds on the left side.