During transport, a ventilated trauma patient's oxygen saturations suddenly drop from 98% to 82%. Peak airway pressures have increased dramatically. T...

Question

During transport, a ventilated trauma patient's oxygen saturations suddenly drop from 98% to 82%. Peak airway pressures have increased dramatically. The waveform capnograph shows a sudden decrease in end-tidal CO2. What is the most appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Disconnect the patient from the ventilator and hand-ventilate with a bag-valve

Answer

Check the endotracheal tube position has not changed

Answer

Increase the FiO2 to 100%

Answer

Suction the endotracheal tube

Answer

Perform bilateral needle thoracocentesis

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Ventilation Emergency

During transport, a ventilated trauma patient's oxygen saturations suddenly drop from 98% to 82%. Peak airway pressures have increased dramatically. The waveform capnograph shows a sudden decrease in end-tidal CO2. What is the most appropriate first action?