Deterioration after intubation
Diagnosis
- D - Displaced ETT
- O - Obstructed ETT
- P - Pneumothorax
- E - Equipment failure (ventilator malfunction or disconnect)
Management
- When in doubt, disconnect the pt from the ventilator and begin bag ventilation
- Eliminates the vent circuit as source of the problem
- Helps gauge lung compliance
- Airway
- Is the tube still in? Is it patent?
- Breathing
- Is the chest rising? Breath sounds equal b/l? Pneumothorax?
References
- EMRA Critical Care Handbook