Final answer:
Increasing the set Inspiratory Time (TI) during ACPC ventilation will decrease the expiratory time due to the fixed nature of the total cycle time. Adjustments to the respiratory rate may be necessary to maintain proper alveolar ventilation and prevent negative effects such as hyperventilation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When ventilating a patient in Assist Control Pressure Control (ACPC) mode, if you increase the set Inspiratory Time (TI), the expiratory time will decrease. This is because the total cycle time (the sum of inspiratory and expiratory time) is constant for a given respiratory rate. Thus, increasing the inspiratory time means there's less time left for expiration. As the set TI encroaches upon the total cycle time, you reduce the time available for expiration, potentially impacting gas exchange.
To maintain adequate alveolar ventilation, adjustments might be needed. For example, if you increase the set TI, you could adjust the respiratory rate to balance the ventilation. However, it's important to note that when the respiratory rate is increased, the volume of air per breath typically decreases to compensate for the increased frequency of breaths and to avoid hyperventilation, potentially leading to abnormally low blood carbon dioxide levels and high blood pH (alkalinity).