An ICU patient requires emergency transfer by helicopter for neurosurgical intervention. During the flight, the portable ventilator alarms indicate hi...

Question

An ICU patient requires emergency transfer by helicopter for neurosurgical intervention. During the flight, the portable ventilator alarms indicate high airway pressure. SpO2 drops to 88%. What is the most likely cause of high airway pressure alarm during aeromedical transfer?

Accepted Answer

Altitude-related reduction in atmospheric pressure causing expansion of gas in a closed pneumothorax or ETT cuff over-inflation

Answer

Ventilator malfunction from vibration

Answer

Patient anxiety

Answer

Cold air affecting the ventilator circuit

Answer

Turbulence causing circuit disconnection

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Aeromedical Transfer

An ICU patient requires emergency transfer by helicopter for neurosurgical intervention. During the flight, the portable ventilator alarms indicate high airway pressure. SpO2 drops to 88%. What is the most likely cause of high airway pressure alarm during aeromedical transfer?