The nurse is caring for a client who is being mechanically ventilated. The current ventilator settings are: respiratory rate, 25 breaths per minute; tidal volume, 600 mL; FiO₂, 30%; humidification 30 mg H₂O/L. After being ventilated for 2 hours, arterial blood gas analysis reveals a pH of 7.20 and a PaCO₂ of 49 mmHg. Which change in ventilator settings should the nurse anticipate? A)Increase in humidification of inspired air B)Decrease of FiO₂ from 30% to 25% C)Increased respiratory rate to 30 breaths per minute D)Decreased tidal volume of each breath

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)This client is exhibiting respiratory acidosis that is not corrected by the current ventilator settings. This client needs to "blow off" more CO₂; therefore, the respiratory rate would be increased. Both decreasing the FiO₂ and decreasing the tidal volume would decrease the amount of CO₂ expelled. Humidification has no effect on the amount of CO₂ expelled. B)This client is exhibiting respiratory acidosis that is not corrected by the current ventilator settings. This client needs to "blow off" more CO₂; therefore, the respiratory rate would be increased. Both decreasing the FiO₂ and decreasing the tidal volume would decrease the amount of CO₂ expelled. Humidification has no effect on the amount of CO₂ expelled. C)This client is exhibiting respiratory acidosis that is not corrected by the current ventilator settings. This client needs to "blow off" more CO₂; therefore, the respiratory rate would be increased. Both decreasing the FiO₂ and decreasing the tidal volume would decrease the amount of CO₂ expelled. Humidification has no effect on the amount of CO₂ expelled. D)This client is exhibiting respiratory acidosis that is not corrected by the current ventilator settings. This client needs to "blow off" more CO₂; therefore, the respiratory rate would be increased. Both decreasing the FiO₂ and decreasing the tidal volume would decrease the amount of CO₂ expelled. Humidification has no effect on the amount of CO₂ expelled.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Being