Which of the following can be a complication of improper ventilations in a patient?

Hypercapnia refers to an elevated level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, which can occur when ventilations are not delivered properly. When the ventilation is inadequate, patients may not effectively expel CO2 during the exhalation phase. This can arise from factors such as overly forceful ventilations that do not allow for adequate expiration or insufficient breaths that do not adequately clear CO2.

Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining the balance of gases in the body. When ventilation is compromised, CO2 levels can rise, leading to hypercapnia. This condition can result in respiratory acidosis and lead to a series of physiological changes, including altered levels of consciousness, dysrhythmias, and other complications stemming from the body's inability to rid itself of CO2 effectively. Hence, recognizing and addressing issues with ventilation is essential to prevent complications like hypercapnia.