low pO2, normal pCO2

Last reviewed 01/2018

If the only abnormality is one of low pO2 then the easiest solution is to increase the FiO2. If this is already at 100% then an increase in PIP may be considered, or an increase in rate may be used.

It should be noted that the exchange of O2 is limited usually by the partial pressure of oxygen in the inspired gas. Thus prolonging the time for which the blood is able to exchange with lung gas will not ordinarily increase the arterial partial pressure of oxygen.