A client receiving mechanical ventilation has a pH of 7.26, PaCO2 of 68 mm Hg, and a PaO2 of 92 mm Hg. Which intervention should the nurse implement?Reference Range:Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)pH [Adult/child: 7.35 to 7.45]PaCO2 [Adult/child: 35 to 45 mm Hg)HCO- [Adult/child: 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)] PaO2 [Adult/child: 80 to 100 mm Hg)

RationaleA. The client's pH is low (acidotic), and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory acidosis). Increasing the rate of ventilation (respiratory rate) can help to decrease PaCO2 by increasing alveolar ventilation, thereby helping to correct respiratory acidosis.B. Expiratory flow time affects the time available for exhalation. While this may affect the overall mechanics of ventilation, it is not directly targeting the primary issue of elevated PaCO2 and acidosis.C. Increasing tidal volume increases the volume of air delivered with each breath. This can improve ventilation efficiency but may not address the underlying problem of elevated PaCO2 unless it leads to increased minute ventilation.D. Expiratory pressure is related to positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), which helps maintain alveolar recruitment and improve oxygenation. Decreasing expiratory pressure may not directly address the elevated PaCO2 and acidosis.