A Patient Suffering from Postoperative Complications Has Been Receiving Mechanical

question 90

Multiple Choice

A patient suffering from postoperative complications has been receiving mechanical ventilation for 6 days with a volume ventilator. A heat-moisture exchanger (HME) is providing control over humidification and airway temperature. Over the past 24 hr, the patient's secretions have decreased in quantity but are thicker and more purulent. Which of the following actions would you suggest at this time?

• A) Replace the HME.
• B) Switch over to a heated wick humidifier.
• C) Administer acetylcysteine every 2 hr via the nebulizer.
• D) Increase the frequency of suctioning.