A 60-year-old man with a tracheostomy is on a weaning programme. He can tolerate 6 hours off the ventilator on T-piece but becomes fatigued overnight....

Question

A 60-year-old man with a tracheostomy is on a weaning programme. He can tolerate 6 hours off the ventilator on T-piece but becomes fatigued overnight. What is the recommended weaning approach for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Progressive T-piece trials during the day with nocturnal ventilatory support (PSV or SIMV) to allow respiratory muscle rest and recovery

Answer

Continue 24-hour T-piece breathing until he no longer fatigues

Answer

Immediate decannulation

Answer

Return to full ventilatory support and do not attempt weaning for 1 week

Answer

Increase sedation to reduce oxygen consumption

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Prolonged Weaning

A 60-year-old man with a tracheostomy is on a weaning programme. He can tolerate 6 hours off the ventilator on T-piece but becomes fatigued overnight. What is the recommended weaning approach for this patient?