[Solved]: A patient with COPD with chronic hypercapnia is on…

A patient with COPD with chronic hypercapnia is on the orthopedic surgical unit after total hip replacement surgery. As a the RT responsible for this unit, you are providing the patient’s maintenance regimen of inhaled bronchodilators and steroids. Because of the patient’s pulmonary hx, a preoperative ABG sample was done while the patients received 1L/min NC. Results are PO2 58 mmHG, PCO2 50 mmHg, SaO2 89%, pH 7.36, HCO3- 27.3 mEq/L. Postoperative the patient is receiving self-administered analgesics for pain and is on O2 at 1L/min. On first postoperative day the patient’s surgeon analyzes electrolytes and notices that the total CO2 is above normal. The patient is alert and breathing at his normal rate of 20 bpm. A request for a 2nd ABG was done to evaluate Ventilatory status. PO2 59mmHG, PCO2 = 51 mmHg, SaO2 89%, Ph 7.35 and HCO3- 27 mEq/L. The surgeon reviews the results and because the PaCO2 is above normal is concerned that the patient may be using excessive amounts of pain meds, thus depressing his drive to breathe. What is your assessment of the patient’s Ventilatory status?