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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Stupid ventilator change

One thing that bothers me is when a doctor writes an order that makes no sense.  Today I was called to ventilator patient Mr. Sick's room.  The order was to increase the tidal volume from 550 to 620. 

I said to the nurse, "Why did he write this order?"

She said, "Because his heart rate increased from 90 to 120."

I said, "The patient is in automode, and is using volume support.  He is creating his own tidal volume and respiratory rate.  So, increasing the rate will have no effect."

She said, "He's a pulmonologist who knows what he's talking about."

I said, "Well, obviously, that could be debated."

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