Answer B

The patient’s ABG demonstrates isolated hypercarbia and a respiratory acidosis with a pH of 7.26, pCO2 of 58, and a Bicarb of 24.9. His oxygenation is fine. The transmembrane pressures and arterial side oxygenation is fine, so this is not a problem with circuit gas exchange. The CXR is not consistent with pulmonary edema so the native lung diffusion and gas exchange should be normal as well.

CLOSE this window and return to the Answer Options