An arterial blood gas is drawn from a patient receiving 100% oxygen via mask. The patient’s respiratory rate is 30 breaths/minute with pronounced accessory muscle use. The blood gas results are as follows:
PH = 7.38
PaCO2 = 43
PaO2 = 59
HCO3 = 24
Based on this information, what should the respiratory therapist recommend?
- Humidify the oxygen
- Intubation and mechanical ventilation
- Add 6 LPM nasal cannula under mask
- Recheck ABG in 4 hours
Click Here for the Answer
2. Intubation and mechanical ventilation
Explanations
This patient has persistent hypoxemia and evidence of an increased work of breathing. Therefore, the patient requires intubation and mechanical ventilation.
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