A Patient's Ventilator Settings Are Adjusted to Treat Hypoxemia

A patient's ventilator settings are adjusted to treat hypoxemia.The fraction of inspired oxygen is increased from 0.6 to 0.7,and the positive end-expiratory pressure is increased from 10 to 15 cm H₂O.Shortly after these adjustments,the nurse notes that the patient's blood pressure drops from 120/76 mm Hg to 90/60 mm Hg.What is the most likely cause of this decrease in blood pressure?

A) Decrease in cardiac output
B) Hypovolemia
C) Increase in venous return
D) Oxygen toxicity

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