A 32-year-old patient with acute respiratory distress syndro…
A 32-year-old patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is mechanically ventilated with the following settings: Mode: Assist-Control (AC) Tidal Volume (VT): 450 mL Respiratory Rate (RR): 18 breaths per minute FiO2: 0.80 (80%) PEEP: 12 cm H2O Peak inspiratory pressure: 40 cm H2O The patient’s most recent arterial blood gases (ABGs) show the following: pH: 7.28 PaCO2: 56 mm Hg PaO2: 65 mm Hg HCO3: 28 mEq/L SaO2: 90% Which of the following interventions would the nurse anticipate to improve this patient’s oxygenation and ventilation?