A Patient in the Intensive Care Unit Is Receiving Mechanical

question 2

Multiple Choice

A patient in the intensive care unit is receiving mechanical ventilation,has a pulmonary artery catheter in place,and is being monitored continuously with a capnometer.The patient's arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PₐCO₂) is 41 mm Hg and the partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PₑₜCO₂) is 36 mm Hg.There is a sudden decrease in the PₑₜCO₂ to 18 mm Hg causing an alarm to sound.The most likely cause of this development is which of the following?

• A) Hypovolemia
• B) Apneic episode
• C) Pulmonary embolism
• D) Increased cardiac output

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Definitions:

Slow Pathway

A neurological pathway that processes stimuli at a slower pace, often involving more complex processing like emotion and decision-making.

Unmyelinated Fibers

Nerve fibers that lack a myelin sheath, resulting in slower transmission of nerve impulses compared to myelinated fibers.

Intrinsic Rewards

Personal satisfaction and enjoyment derived from engaging in an activity, not contingent upon external rewards or recognition.

Extrinsic Rewards

Rewards given by external factors, such as money or praise, which motivate behavior not inherently rewarding.