A client receiving mechanical ventilation has a pH of 7.26, PaCO2 of 88 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)]

A. Increasing the ventilator tidal volume could improve the client's ventilation but may not adequately address the severe hypercapnia indicated by the elevated PaCO2. B. Decreasing expiratory flow time is not a priority and may not improve ventilation effectively. C. Decreasing expiratory pressure does not directly address the underlying problem of carbon dioxide retention. D. Increasing the rate of ventilation is the most appropriate intervention to improve carbon dioxide elimination and correct the acid-base imbalance indicated by the low pH and high PaCO2.