71. A patient with severe respiratory failure is on a ventilator with a high respiratory rate and small tidal volume. The nurse notes severe respiratory acidosis (pH 7.18, PaCO2 70). What is the critical ventilator adjustment the physician might order?
A.
Increase respiratory rate
B.
Increase tidal volume or decrease respiratory rate to blow off more CO2
✓
C.
Decrease tidal volume
D.
Increase PEEP
📖 Additional Information
Increase respiratory rate
Increase tidal volume or decrease respiratory rate to blow off more CO2
