If a patient shows signs of acidosis and low ventilation, what is the next recommended step?

In a scenario where a patient presents with signs of acidosis and low ventilation, initiating mechanical ventilation is the most appropriate next step. This is because insufficient ventilation can lead to the retention of carbon dioxide (CO2), resulting in respiratory acidosis. Mechanical ventilation assists in providing adequate respiratory support by improving gas exchange and helping to correct both the acidosis and hypoventilation effectively.

This intervention enables better control over the patient's breathing pattern, oxygen delivery, and CO2 elimination, thereby stabilizing the patient's condition. Options like ordering additional tests or increasing oxygen levels are important but do not address the immediate need to improve ventilation and correct the underlying acidosis. A tracheostomy is a more invasive procedure typically reserved for long-term ventilation support and is not indicated in an acute setting where mechanical ventilation can be employed first to manage the patient's respiratory status.