Over 3 days, the amount of pressure required to deliver 6 mL of gas into the lungs has increased from 15 mm Hg to 22 mm Hg. This indicates compliance has decreased. This may occur because lung tissue is worsening, but it can also occur due to occlusion of the tube by secretions or the patient is more awake and active. If compliance had increased, it would take less pressure, not more pressure, to delivery the same tidal volume. Although it is likely the patient’s condition is worsening rather than improving, the nurse can not make that inference based on the available information.