A patient with ARDS has ABG results showing pH 7.28, PaCO2 52 mm Hg, and PaO2 62 mm Hg. What should the respiratory therapist recommend?

In this scenario, the patient is exhibiting signs of respiratory failure, indicated by the low pH (acidosis) and elevated PaCO2 (hypercapnia). This suggests that the patient is unable to adequately ventilate, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide. The ABG results also show a low PaO2, indicating hypoxemia, which is common in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Recommending an increase in inspiratory pressure is appropriate in this situation as it can help improve ventilation. Increasing the inspiratory pressure enhances the tidal volume delivered with each breath, which can facilitate the removal of carbon dioxide and improve overall ventilation. Better ventilation can lead to corrections in the patient's acid-base status, helping to bring the pH closer to normal levels.

While increasing FIO2 can help address the hypoxemia by delivering a higher concentration of oxygen, it does not directly tackle the hypercapnia or the underlying issue of inadequate ventilation. Increasing PEEP may improve oxygenation by recruiting collapsed alveoli, but it can also decrease venous return and cardiac output if used excessively, especially in patients facing respiratory failure. Reducing the rate would further decrease minute ventilation, potentially worsening the patient's condition.

Thus, increasing inspiratory