A patient with respiratory failure has hemodynamic monitoring and is receiving mechanical ventilation with peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10 cm H2O. Which information indicates that a change in the ventilator settings may be required? a. The arterial line shows a blood pressure of 90/46.

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A patient with respiratory failure has hemodynamic monitoring and is receiving mechanical ventilation with peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10 cm H2O. Which information indicates that a change in the ventilator settings may be required?
a. The arterial line shows a blood pressure of 90/46.
b. The pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is decreased.
c. The cardiac monitor shows a heart rate of 58 beats/min.
d. The pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is increased.
Selected Answer: Since the arterial line shows a BP of 90/46, the hypotension indicates indicates an elevated intrathoracic pressure likely due to the PEEP. The appropriate intervention is to decrease the PEEP, which in turn will increase venous return, resulting in improved cardiac output. Correct Answer: Correct  The hypotension indicates that the high intrathoracic pressure caused by the PEEP may be de-creasing venous return and cardiac output (CO). Decreasing the PEEP should decrease the intrathoracic pressure and improving venous return and cardiac output. Response Feedback: [None Given]

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