13th January 2024

A 40-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of high fever, shortness of breath and cough productive of yellow sputum.

A 40-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of high fever, shortness of breath and cough productive of yellow sputum. 

Initial observations are as follows:

Pulse – 110/min

BP 98/60

Respiratory rate 28 breaths/min

SpO2 90% on 10L O2

Past Medical history includes hypertension, type 1 diabetes and Motor Neuron disease.

On examination there is poor inspiratory effort with widespread crepitations on the right side.

The Clerking FY1 did an ABG that showed:

He fails to respond to initial management with IV antibiotics and oxygen.

Plan is made to start him on non-invasive ventilation. What initial settings are considered optimal?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.