TYK168

Which of the following would be the LEAST appropriate I:E (inspiratory to expiratory) ratio when ventilating a child who is now intubated secondary to status asthmaticus?

a) 1:1

b) 1:2

c) 1:3

d) 1:4

e) They are equally appropriate

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Answer

Answer a.

Children who have severe asthma or who are in status asthmaticus will have prolonged expiration and are at risk of developing air trapping and auto- PEEP if they are ventilated with an inappropriate I:E ratio (i.e. not given enough time to exhale). As such, one should choose a long expiratory time, usually at least 1:3. Using a 1:1 I:E ratio is the least appropriate of the options.

Notes

This question originally printed in the Pediatric Anesthesiology Review Topics kindle book series, and appears courtesy of Naerthwyn Press, LLC.

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