A patient is being weaned from VC SIMV ventilation. What should the RT recommend when the patient shows disorientation and confusion?

In a scenario where a patient demonstrates signs of disorientation and confusion while being weaned from volume control (VC) SIMV ventilation, it is important to prioritize the patient's safety and stability. Discontinuing weaning efforts is the appropriate course of action in this context. The presence of confusion and disorientation can indicate that the patient is not adequately tolerating the weaning process, which may suggest insufficient respiratory effort or inadequate gas exchange. These symptoms could lead to further complications if the weaning continues without addressing the underlying issues.

Maintaining the patient's safety is paramount. By pausing weaning, the respiratory therapist can reassess the patient's condition and closely monitor vital signs and blood gas levels. This approach allows for a better understanding of the patient's readiness for weaning and provides an opportunity to adjust the treatment plan based on clinical findings. Further evaluation and preventive measures, such as assessing the need for additional oxygen support or reevaluating sedation levels, can then be undertaken before attempting weaning again.