[Verified Answer]: A patient is extubated and placed on a…

A patient is extubated and placed on a cool, bland aerosol with 30% oxygen and 25 minutes post-extubation. The respiratory therapist is called to assess the patient who has shortness of breath. The respiratory therapist observes intercostal retractions, sensory muscle use, and a respiratory rate of 38. The stratum can be heard without a stethoscope, and the SpO2 has dropped to 97% to 85%. The patient is given an aerosolized racemic epinephrine treatment and reassessed. Sensory muscle use continues, intercostal retractions decrease slightly, and stratum is heard on auscultation. The patient’s respiratory rate is 30 breaths a minute, and the SpO2 is 88, which the respiratory therapist recommends. Use a non-rebreather mask, 15 liters of oxygen, heat locks therapy, and steroid administration. Reintubate and mechanical ventilate. Increase the SpO2 on the cool, bland aerosol to 40%.