Which intervention is often indicated for a patient exhibiting decreased oxygenation on mechanical ventilation?

Increasing the FIO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) can be an immediate and effective intervention for a patient showing decreased oxygenation while on mechanical ventilation. When a patient's oxygenation levels are insufficient, it indicates that they are not receiving enough oxygen to meet their physiological needs. By increasing the FIO2, you are effectively raising the amount of oxygen the patient inhales, which can lead to improved arterial oxygen saturation and overall oxygen delivery to the tissues.

This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where the cause of decreased oxygenation is related to factors such as lung conditions (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS) or changes in the patient’s condition that might impact oxygen exchange. By adjusting the FIO2, healthcare providers can perform a quick assessment of the patient's response, monitoring the impact on oxygenation and making further decisions based on clinical judgment and patient response.

Considering the other options, decreasing the ventilator rate could result in reduced minute ventilation and worsen hypoxemia, while vigorous suctioning is not appropriate unless secretions are obstructing the airway. Switching to non-invasive ventilation may not be feasible if the patient is already on mechanical ventilation for significant respiratory support. Each of these interventions has its specific context and indications, but increasing FIO2 directly addresses the