A COPD patient receiving ventilatory support in the ventilat

A COPD patient receiving ventilatory support in the ventilatory support in the CMV/assist-control mode at a rate of 14 and a VT of 750ml exhibits clinical signs of air trapping. Which of the following would you recommend to correct this problem? 1. Use lower inspirtory flo (peak flow) rates 2. Increase the expiratory time 3. Prolong the inspirtory time. Can pick more than one.

Solution

increasing the expiratory time may be a good option.

air trapping is an abnormal retention of air in the lungs where it is difficult to exhale completely.

inhalation is an active process while echalation is a passive process. when airways get clogged, the person has to squeeze the air out of the lungs.

air trapping also represents poorly aerated lungs.