The nurse is caring for a patient whose ventilator settings include 15 cm H2O of positive end- expiratory pressure (PEEP). The nurse understands that although beneficial, PEEP may result in:

high cardiac index secondary to more efficient ventricular function.

low cardiac output secondary to increased intrathoracic pressure.

fluid overload secondary to decreased venous return.

hypoxemia secondary to prolonged positive pressure at expiration.