The physician is planning to wean a patient off a ventilator and asks the nurse for which of the following data which is important for assessing the patient's ventilatory status?

Explanation

•ABG levels should be assessed prior to any ventilation changes to establish a baseline. ABG levels are often ordered 1 hour after the changes to assess for improvement.

•Patients often are sedated while they are on a mechanical ventilator and need to be alert enough to maintain their airway before weaning.

•Oxygen needs of the patient are important in determining their ventilatory status.

•An echocardiogram does not help in the assessment of a patient's respiratory status.

•The patient's recent WBC will not aid in decision making regarding ventilatory status.

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