Which is the appropriate response for a patient with elevated CO2 levels?

When a patient has elevated CO2 levels, this condition, known as hypercapnia, often indicates inadequate ventilation and can lead to respiratory acidosis. In severe cases, the patient may not be able to adequately exchange gases, resulting in the necessity for mechanical ventilation to assist with their breathing.

Preparing for intubation is a critical response when a patient presents with significantly high CO2 levels, particularly if they are showing signs of respiratory distress or altered mental status. Intubation allows for immediate airway protection and control of ventilation, which is essential in restoring proper gas exchange and correcting the hypercapnia.

In comparison, beginning physical therapy may not address the immediate respiratory issues caused by elevated CO2. Similarly, initiating dietary changes would not have any immediate effect on CO2 levels, and ordering a complete blood count might provide general information about the patient's health but would not directly address the ventilation issue at hand or the high CO2 levels.

Therefore, the most appropriate response in this scenario is to prepare for intubation, as it directly addresses the potentially life-threatening condition caused by elevated carbon dioxide levels.