A patient with respiratory failure has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min and an oxygen saturation (SpO₂)of 88%. The patient is increasingly lethargic. Which intervention will the nurse anticipate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's lethargy,low respiratory rate,and SpO₂ indicate the need for mechanical ventilation with ventilator-controlled respiratory rate. Giving high-flow O₂ will not be helpful because the patient's respiratory rate is so low. Insertion of a mini-tracheostomy will facilitate removal of secretions,but it will not improve the patient's respiratory rate or oxygenation. CPAP requires that the patient initiate an adequate respiratory rate to allow adequate gas exchange.

A Patient with Respiratory Failure Has a Respiratory Rate of 6