The Respiratory Therapist Is Assessing a Mechanically Ventilated Patient for Whom

Multiple Choice

The respiratory therapist is assessing a mechanically ventilated patient for whom the high pressure alarm is active and the flow-volume loop shows the following:

The action that could alleviate this problem is which of the following?

A) Place a bite block into the patient's mouth.
B) Perform a recruitment maneuver and increase PEEP.
C) Administer a fast-acting bronchodilator and suction the ET tube.
D) Insert a 14-gauge needle into the second intercostal space, midclavicular line, and right side.