While monitoring a patient during a T tube weaning trial, you notice the following: an increase in heart rate from 86 to 100/min; an increase in respiratory rate from 12 to 23/min; an increase in PaCO₂from 39 to 45 mm Hg; and a decrease in PaO₂from 82 to 73 mm Hg. Which of the following actions would be appropriate at this time? A) Reconnect the patient to the ventilator with prior settings. B) Request that the patient be administered a mild sedative. C) Suction the patient after manual hyperinflation or oxygenation. D) Encourage the patient to relax, and continue careful monitoring.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is experiencing respiratory distress, as evidenced by the increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, PaCO2, and decrease in PaO2. The appropriate action at this time is to encourage the patient to relax and continue careful monitoring.

While Monitoring a Patient During a T Tube Weaning Trial