The nurse is caring for a client who is being mechanically ventilated.

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?

1. Decrease in oxygen delivery
2. Decreased tidal volume of each breath
3. Increased respiratory rate
4. Increase in humidification of inspired air

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Decreasing oxygen will not decrease CO2 levels.
Rationale 2: Decreasing the tidal volume will not decrease CO2 levels.
Rationale 3: This client needs to “blow off” more CO2; therefore the respiratory rate would be increased.
Rationale 4: Increasing the humidification will not decrease CO2 levels.