Complete Solutions
Describe how the respiratory therapist would administer oxygen to a patient
receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy - ANSWER -- It is administered by mask or
through the chamber at 100%
Describe the purpose of utilizing Helium/Oxygen therapy for patients who have
increased work of breathing (WOB) - ANSWER -- Decreases the patient's WOB
by delivering low density gas (most important property) that can easily maneuver
around obstructions
State the indications of Helium/Oxygen therapy - ANSWER -- Post extubation
stridor
- Severe asthma/status asthmaticus
- Obstructive tumors
- Foreign object aspiration
- Partial vocal cord paralysis
List the two He/O₂ mixtures that are available - ANSWER -- 80% He/20% O₂
(most used)
- 70% He/30% O₂
What type of oxygen administration device is used to deliver Helium/Oxygen
therapy? - ANSWER -- Non-rebreathing mask
What would the actual flow rate be if a 70/30 heliox mixture is used with an
oxygen flowmeter set at a rate of 8 L/min? - ANSWER -- Actual Flow= indicated
flow × factor
Factors:
a) 80/20 mixture: 1.8 (or use 2)
b) 70/30 mixture: 1.6
, Ex: Actual Flow = indicated flow × factor
Actual flow = 8 L/min × 1.6
Actual flow = 12.8 L/min
Describe the physiologic effects of Inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) on the pulmonary
system - ANSWER --Inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) acts as a potent pulmonary
vasodilator, which improves pulmonary blood flow and PaO₂, but does not affect
systemic blood pressure.
List the 4 indications for inhaled nitric oxide therapy - ANSWER -- Primary
pulmonary hypertension
- Refractory hypoxemia related to increased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP)
- Increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)
- Right heart failure/Cor Pulmonale
State the standard initial dose for iNO therapy - ANSWER -- 20-40 ppm (parts
per million)
* Start at 40ppm if given 2 choices.
Describe the side effects that can occur during iNO therapy - ANSWER --
Methemoglobin (MetHb) levels may increase
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) levels may increase and are toxic to body levels > 10
ppm
- Rebound pulmonary hypertension- occurs when the iNO is discontinued too
rapidly
What should the therapist do to avoid a rebound effect when discontinuing iNO
therapy? - ANSWER -- Titrate the iNO dose to 20 ppm, then 10 ppm to, 5 ppm,
then discontinue