The nurse is caring for a client who is being mechanically ventilated.Arterial blood gas analysis reveals respiratory acidosis.Which change in ventilator settings should the nurse anticipate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate alveolar ventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. The best way to correct this is by increasing the respiratory rate on the mechanical ventilator to increase the amount of air being exchanged in the lungs. Decreasing the oxygen delivery or tidal volume would be detrimental to the client's oxygenation status, and increasing humidification of inspired air would not address the respiratory acidosis.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Being