A patient is being mechanically ventilated in the synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode at a rate of 4 breaths/min.His spontaneous respirations are 12 breaths/min.He receives a dose of morphine sulfate,and his respirations decrease to 4 breaths/min.What adjustments may need to be made to the patient's ventilator settings?

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The morphine caused respiratory depression.As a result,the frequency and depth of respiration is compromised,which can lead to respiratory acidosis.The respiratory rate on the mechanical ventilator needs to be increased.PEEP is added to improve oxygenation; it does not increase the rate or depth of respirations.Pressure support will not be effective in increasing the rate of spontaneous respiration.Changing to assist/control ventilation is an option; however,the rate needs to be set higher than 4 breaths/min.

A Patient Is Being Mechanically Ventilated in the Synchronized Intermittent