Which of the following medications would you expect to be ordered for a patient in acute respiratory failure?

A. To provide a certain volume of air to patient: Delivering a specific tidal volume is controlled by the ventilator’s volume settings, not by PEEP. PEEP functions to maintain alveolar pressure after expiration rather than to regulate the amount of air delivered with each breath.

B. To increase volume of air left in lungs at the end of expiration in order to help open up collapsed alveoli: PEEP prevents alveolar collapse by maintaining positive pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration. This helps improve gas exchange, increase functional residual capacity, and enhance oxygenation, especially in conditions like ARDS or pulmonary edema.

C. To increase patient’s respiratory rate: The respiratory rate is controlled by ventilator frequency settings, not by PEEP. Increasing PEEP does not alter the number of breaths delivered per minute but rather the pressure maintained after exhalation.

D. To decrease patient’s respiratory rate: PEEP does not directly influence respiratory rate; it affects oxygenation and alveolar stability. Any change in respiratory rate must be adjusted through the ventilator’s rate settings or sedation management, not by altering PEEP levels.

A. "I will keep my oxygen tanks away from heat sources": Heat and open flames can pose a significant fire hazard around oxygen, so keeping tanks away from heat sources is essential.

B. "I can smoke as long as I turn off my oxygen first.": Smoking around oxygen is extremely dangerous due to the risk of fire and explosion. Oxygen supports combustion even when the tank is off, so this statement indicates a need for further education on fire safety.

C. "I need to post 'No Smoking' signs in my home.": Posting no-smoking signs is an appropriate safety measure to alert others and reduce the risk of accidental ignition near oxygen sources.

D. "I should store my oxygen tanks upright to prevent tipping": Storing oxygen tanks upright is correct and prevents accidental falls, which could damage the tank or valve.