In an anesthetized patient being mechanically ventilated, end-expired carbon dioxide is 58 mmHg and peak inspiratory airway pressure is 15 cmH20. Ventilator settings indicate a delivered tidal volume of 800 ml, but the expiratory flowmeter shows a tidal volume of 360 ml. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this discrepancy?
(A) Fresh gas flow of 0.5 L/min
(B) Incompetence of the pressure-relief valve
(C) Low ventilatory rate
(D) Presence of a hole in the ventilator bellows
(E) Prolongation of the inspiratory phase
B
The best indication that a patient is ready for discharge from an outpatient facility after spinal anesthesia is return of
(A) pinprick sensation to the S4-5 dermatome
(B) micturition
(C) plantar flexion
(D) proprioception of the big toe
(E) knee extension
B
Which of the following statements concerning pipecuronium is true?