A 80 kg (176 lb) patient with pulmonary fibrosis is mechanic…

A 80 kg (176 lb) patient with pulmonary fibrosis is mechanically ventilated at the following settings: Mode: SIMV VC VT: 700 mL Mandatory Rate: 15/min Total Rate: 15/min FiO2: 0.40 PEEP: +10 cmH2O I:E Ratio: 1:2 Arterial Blood Gas analysis reveals the following: pH: 7.34 PaCO2: 55 torr PaO2: 50 HCO3-: 22 mEq/L     The respiratory therapist should recommend

The respiratory therapist reviews a ventilator parameter she…

The respiratory therapist reviews a ventilator parameter sheet and notes that the peak inspiratory pressure has been gradually rising for the past several hours. Which of the following could be contributing to this change? 1. Bronchospasm 2. Increasing pulmonary compliance 3. Accumulation of secretions 4. Decreasing airway resistance