Final answer:
To correct respiratory acidosis in a ventilated patient, one would increase the respiratory rate or adjust tidal volume on the AC/VC mode to enhance CO₂ elimination. Metabolic compensation by the kidneys may raise bicarbonate levels over time, but ventilator adjustments target immediate respiratory changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient has respiratory acidosis, it means there is an excess of CO₂ in the blood. To correct the arterial blood gas (ABG) on a ventilator in assist-control/volume-control (AC/VC) mode, adjustments can be made to the respiratory rate (RR) and tidal volume (TV). The main goal is to increase the elimination of CO₂. Increasing the RR will enhance the rate at which CO₂ is exhaled, while adjusting TV can improve the ventilation efficiency. However, it is crucial to monitor the patient closely to avoid causing ventilator-induced lung injury with excessive volumes or pressures.
Metabolic compensation by the kidneys may also be involved, reflecting in an increased bicarbonate level. However, in the acute phase of respiratory acidosis, the ventilator adjustments made are aimed at improving the immediate respiratory elimination of CO₂ to correct the blood pH level.