A patient with acute respiratory failure is receiving assist-control mechanical ventilation with peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10 cm H₂O and has an arterial line and pulmonary artery catheter in place. Which information indicates that a change in the ventilator settings may be required?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypotension indicates that the high intrathoracic pressure caused by the PEEP may be decreasing venous return and cardiac output (CO). The other assessment data would not be caused by mechanical ventilation.

A Patient with Acute Respiratory Failure Is Receiving Assist-Control Mechanical