Scenario Seven - Diagnosis

Patient Chart

History

FG is a 71-year-old female who was admitted to the acute care hospital two days following a massive CVA with possible brain stem infarct. Because she was also experiencing secondary respiratory failure, she was intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation. She was subsequently transferred to the neuro intensive care unit where she was stabilized. Currently, she is on the ventilator at the following settings: Mode: volume control-assist/control Rate: 14 breaths per minute Tidal volume: 450 mL FiO2: 50% PEEP: +5 cmH2O Her present vital signs are: respiratory rate 14 (ventilator rate), temperature 100.4 F. Her SpO2 is 95%. Her rating on the Glasgow Coma Scale is 5. Use the Blood Pressure and Auscultation Tabs to complete the physical assessment.

Which of the following would be the best diagnostic test to perform in order to confirm the condition?