A patient in the cardiac ICU is intubated and is receiving m…

A patient in the cardiac ICU is intubated and is receiving mechanical ventilation with 40% O2 and a PEEP of 5 cm H20.  The following data is collected: pH 7.41 PaCO2 37 torr Pa02 81 torr HCO3 23 mEq/L BE -2 C(a-v)02 8.1 vol% PCWP 4 mm Hg The respiratory therapist should recommend which of the following?

The respiratory therapist is using a 12-French suction cathe…

The respiratory therapist is using a 12-French suction catheter to suction a female patient who is intubated with a 7.0 mm ETT and is having difficulty removing the thick secretions.  The suction pressure used is -120 mm Hg.  Which of the following should be recommend to correct this problem?