A 3-day-old premature neonate was born at 24-weeks estimated gestational age. The patient is mechanically ventilated with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 30%, rate of 40 breaths per minute, positive end expiratory pressure of 5, and peak inspiratory pressure of 20. The arterial blood gas results are as follows: pH = 7.34, PaCO2 = 48 mmHg, PaO2 = 70 mmHg, and HCO3 = 25 mEq/L. The nurse anticipates which changes will be made to the patient’s ventilator settings?

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