Regina518

Thank you so much!

. Ms. C is on a mechanical ventilator set on assist-control of 14, respiratory rate of 28, volume 650, oxygen 40%, and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5

But her bicarbonate is low. so a higher resp rate on the ventilator would lower it even more according to your answer, no? Also i meant metabolic acidosis.

Sorry i meant metabolic acidosis... typo

Mechanical ventilators are usually set between 12-16 breaths per minute but one patient in a case study I am working on, has her ventilator set at 28. The Patient Bicarbonate level is low at 7 and is in respiratory acidosis. Just wondering. I have not been to a ICU floor nor can I find the answer in the book. Just wondering why would they set a patients respiratory rate so high on a mechanical ventilator. please help confused nursing student