What should be done when a patient displays signs of hypoxemia?

Increasing the level of EPAP, or expiratory positive airway pressure, is a valid action when a patient exhibits signs of hypoxemia. This approach serves to enhance the overall oxygenation in a patient's lungs by increasing the end-expiratory lung volume and improving ventilation-perfusion matching. Higher levels of EPAP can also help prevent airway collapse and reduce the shunting of blood in poorly ventilated regions of the lungs, thereby improving oxygen exchange and elevating blood oxygen levels.

When a patient is experiencing hypoxemia, optimizing their airway pressures can be critical. Increasing EPAP allows for better stability in the airways and can aid in recruiting collapsed alveoli, which is essential for enhancing oxygen uptake. It is crucial to balance ventilation and oxygenation and adjust EPAP levels based on the patient's individual responses and tolerance.

The other options do not directly address the urgent need to improve oxygenation when a patient shows signs of hypoxemia. Decreasing IPAP may lower the overall pressure support, potentially worsening hypoxemia. Adjusting the mask fit, while important for ensuring adequate ventilation and reducing leaks, does not directly alter the pressure dynamics that would help improve oxygenation. Changing to a CPAP setup might further complicate management, as it does not