Question

The nurse is working with a client beginning weaning from a mechanical ventilator. The nurse explains to the family which lab result would indicate a need to wean settings?

a) Elevated white blood cell count.

b) Decreased arterial oxygen saturation.

c) Increased carbon dioxide levels.

d) Elevated serum potassium levels.

Answer 1

Increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood can indicate the need to wean from a mechanical ventilator.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lab result that would indicate a need to wean settings from a mechanical ventilator is increased carbon dioxide levels (Option C).

Elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood, also known as hypercapnia, can indicate a decreased ability to exchange gases effectively, which may necessitate adjustments to the ventilator settings.

This lab result reflects poor ventilation and can indicate the need to wean from the ventilator.