An 80-kg (176 lb) male is receiving volume-controlled ventil…

An 80-kg (176 lb) male is receiving volume-controlled ventilation after undergoing a partial lobectomy of the left lung. Pertinent data is below: pH            7.32   PaCO2   49 torr PaO2     74 torr HCO3-   24 mEq/L BE          -2 mEq/L   Ventilator Settings: FIO2    0.50   VT       600 mL Mode    Assist/control Mandatory rate      12 Total rate     12 PEEP     5 cm H2O Which of the following should the respiratory therapist recommend?

A respiratory therapist is adjusting the ET tube cuff pressu…

A respiratory therapist is adjusting the ET tube cuff pressure on a patient receiving positive pressure ventilatory support.  The therapist is using the minimum leak technique to adjust the volume in the cuff.  After insertion of air into the cuff, the therapist auscultates the neck and notices a slight passage of air around the cuff at the top of each mechanical inspiration.  The therapist should