Answer :
Final answer:
The likely cause is the effects of altitude on the ventilator.
Explanation:
The likely cause of the actual respiratory rate of the transport ventilator being less than the set rate and gradually decreasing while transporting a patient on a fixed-wing aircraft is likely due to the effects of altitude on the ventilator.
At higher altitudes, the air pressure decreases, resulting in a decreased partial pressure of oxygen. This can affect the function of the ventilator and lead to a decrease in the respiratory rate.
For example, at high altitudes, the decrease in atmospheric pressure can cause reduced oxygen delivery to the body, resulting in hypoxia. The ventilator may respond to this by reducing the respiratory rate to conserve oxygen.
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