Sun14November0130PM 4

You are asked to review a patient with acute respiratory failure due to H1N1 influenza virus infection. The agreed treatment plan includes using non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

Which one of the following statements is the most important in relation to NIV?

(Please select 1 option)

Personal protective equipment is not required during NIV treatment

NIV should be started after the mask is secured to the face This is the correct answer

A helmet NIV system should not be used

Water humidification should always be used

A single hose NIV machine is preferable Incorrect answer selected

Explanation

Whilst there is no evidence that NIV prevents invasive ventilation in H1N1 patients, it is commonly used as bridging therapy. It is important to remember that these are open circuits and still require personal protection for staff.

Ensuring that a well fitting mask is in place before airflow starts can reduce the amount of aerosol production. Similarly, avoiding water humidification and use of a closed hood is also advised.

Ideally patients should be nursed in a negative pressure room.

Experience with helmet devices is limited but increasing, and it has been successful in patients who are unable to tolerate the nasal or orofacial devices. The advantage is that it may provide a tighter seal than nasal or orofacial devices.

Reference:

Anaesthesia UK. Intensive Care Management of Pandemic (H1N1) Influenza.

Answer Statistics

1

1%

2

59%

3

2%

4

29%

5

12%

Times answered: 298