Respiratory Failure, ARDS and Ventilation · NCLEX Exam

Why is neuromuscular blockade used in a patient with ARDS who has been sedated, paralyzed, and ventilated for 48 hours?

  1. It is standard practice for every ventilated patient
  2. Early neuromuscular blockade may improve oxygenation in moderate to severe ARDS
  3. It reliably reduces the required level of PEEP
  4. It permanently prevents the patient from being weaned
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Correct answer: Early neuromuscular blockade may improve oxygenation in moderate to severe ARDS

Short‐term neuromuscular blockade (e.g., cisatracurium) early in moderate/severe ARDS may improve oxygenation and outcomes by reducing lung injury from patient effort and ventilator.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 15

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