The physician is planning to wean a patient off a ventilator. The nurse knows which of the following information 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.

•Breath sounds are important data, but do not neccesarily dictate ventilator settings or weaning.

•An echocardiogram does not help in the assessment of a patient's respiratory status. The patients recent WBC will not aid in decision making regarding ventilatory starus

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

Oxygen needs of the patient are important in determing their ventilatory status

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