If the patient is being ventilated via a mechanical ventilator via intermittent mandatory ventilation with partial ventilatory support, what would probably happen to PaCO₂ if the patient suddenly had no spontaneous breathing? A) Increase B) Decrease C) Stay the same D) Change according to FiO₂

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With partial ventilatory support, if spontaneous breathing ceases or becomes inadequate, as may be the case with the development of rapid shallow breathing or apnea, alveolar ventilation may decrease, and PaCO₂ may increase above an acceptable level.

If the Patient Is Being Ventilated Via a Mechanical Ventilator