Critical Care Nursing Questions Related

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To maintain proper cuff pressure of an endotracheal tube (ET) when the patient is on mechanical ventilation, the nurse should:

  • A. Inflate the cuff with a minimum of 10 mL of air.
  • B. Inflate the cuff until the pilot balloon is firm on palpation.
  • C. Inject air into the cuff until a manometer shows 15 mm Hg pressure.
  • D. Inject air into the cuff until a slight leak is heard only at peak inflation.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because inflating the cuff until a slight leak is heard only at peak inflation ensures it is adequately sealed but not overinflated, preventing complications like tracheal injury or pressure necrosis. Choice A lacks specificity and can lead to overinflation. Choice B may result in overinflation as the firmness of the balloon is subjective. Choice C relies on a specific pressure reading, which may vary based on factors like tube size and patient anatomy, potentially leading to under- or overinflation.