A Patient Seen in the Emergency Department Exhibits Paralysis of the Lower

Multiple Choice

A patient seen in the emergency department exhibits paralysis of the lower extremities that is getting progressively worse.Vital capacity is 6 mL/kg,maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) is -17 cm H₂O,and oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter (SₚO₂) is 89%.Arterial blood gases are pending.The physician suspects Guillain-Barré syndrome.The most appropriate action at this time is which of the following?

A) Intubate and mechanically ventilate.
B) Place patient on a nonrebreather mask.
C) Initiate continuous positive airway pressure.
D) Initiate noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.