The patient was admitted to the ICU in respiratory acidosis secondary to smoke inhalation and exposure to caustic gases.After placement of an endotracheal tube and connection to a mechanical ventilator,the arterial blood gas results are pH = 7.28,PaO₂ = 85,PaCO₂ = 60.What changes to care does the nurse anticipate? A) Wean the patient from the ventilator. B) Increase the concentration of oxygen delivered. C) Decrease the concentration of oxygen delivered. D) Increase the number of breaths per minute on the ventilator.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is still in a state of respiratory acidosis and is not ready for extubation and weaning from the ventilator.The PaO₂ is adequate,so there is no need to increase the delivered oxygen concentration.The PaO₂ is adequate so there is no need to decrease the delivered oxygen concentration.Increasing the number of breaths per minute provided by the mechanical ventilator will help the patient to blow off more carbon dioxide,which will result in an improved pH.

The Patient Was Admitted to the ICU in Respiratory Acidosis