When caring for a post-bariatric surgery patient with air hunger, what should the respiratory therapist increase?

In the context of caring for a post-bariatric surgery patient experiencing air hunger, increasing the peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) is a relevant approach. By raising the PIP, the respiratory therapist can enhance the volume of air delivered during each breath. This is crucial for patients who may have reduced lung volumes or decreased lung compliance due to factors associated with obesity or postoperative changes.

Increased PIP allows for more effective ventilation by delivering a greater tidal volume to the patient, which can help alleviate feelings of air hunger. This is important as post-bariatric surgery patients may have shifts in their diaphragm and chest mechanics due to weight loss and surgical alterations.

While adjusting other parameters such as inspiratory time, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and the rate of ventilation can also play roles in patient management, increasing PIP directly addresses the need for more effective air delivery to help alleviate the sensation of air hunger.