A respiratory therapist is reviewing a patient’s ventilator…

A respiratory therapist is reviewing a patient’s ventilator flow sheet. While the patient’s ventilatory parameters have not changed, the therapist observes the following PETCO2 values recorded over a period of six hours.1400   32 torr1600   34 torr1800   40 torr2000   42 torrWhich of the following should the therapist conclude?