A 72-Year-Old Patient with COPD Who Has Acute-On-Chronic Respiratory Failure

question 17

Multiple Choice

A 72-year-old patient with COPD who has acute-on-chronic respiratory failure is supported with noninvasive ventilation. The patient is becoming more confused. Blood gas values are as follows: PaO₂ = 46 mm Hg, PaCO₂ = 57 mm Hg, pH = 7.22, and HCO₃⁻ = 22 mEq/L. Which of the following would be appropriate treatment for this patient?

• A) Increase oxygen delivery.
• B) Ask the patient if he is comfortable with the mask.
• C) Ask the physician for a sedative.
• D) Intubate and switch to invasive ventilation.

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