A patient on mechanical ventilation with a fever has an acidotic pH with a CO₂ production of 300 mL/min. Normal CO₂ production is 200 mL/min. Which of the following should occur physiologically as CO₂ production increases?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As CO2 production increases, the body responds by increasing minute ventilation to expel more CO2 and maintain acid-base balance.

A Patient on Mechanical Ventilation with a Fever Has an Acidotic