What can be a consequence of inadequate ventilation in mechanically ventilated patients?

Inadequate ventilation in mechanically ventilated patients can lead to hypoxia and respiratory distress due to the insufficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. When ventilation is not adequate, the patient may not be able to effectively remove carbon dioxide from the lungs and receive enough oxygen into the bloodstream, resulting in low oxygen levels (hypoxia). This can cause symptoms of respiratory distress, as the body struggles to meet its oxygen demands.

The other options suggest outcomes that are not aligned with the consequences of inadequate ventilation. Improved gas exchange in the lungs would only occur with effective ventilation. Increased compliance of the lungs refers to the ability of the lungs to expand, which usually does not occur with inadequate ventilation; rather, issues such as stiffness or injury would likely cause decreased compliance. Furthermore, reduced work of breathing typically indicates that ventilation is sufficient and effective; inadequate ventilation would likely increase the work of breathing as the muscles struggle to compensate for the lack of effective air exchange.