What could happen to a patient if their ventilator settings continuously exceed recommended high tidal volumes?

When ventilator settings consistently exceed the recommended high tidal volumes, the patient is at risk of ventilator-induced lung injury. This condition arises because excessively high tidal volumes can cause overdistension of the alveoli, leading to damage of the lung tissue. The mechanical stress and strain can result in inflammation, disruption of the alveolar-capillary membrane, and potentially worsen the patient's underlying lung disease.

Higher tidal volumes can also lead to barotrauma, which is the rupture of alveoli caused by excessive pressure, as well as volutrauma, which refers to lung injury from overexpansion of the lungs. Ultimately, these complications can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), worsening pulmonary function, and increased mortality risk.

In contrast, the other options suggest improvements or advantages that are not aligned with the risks associated with high tidal volume ventilation.