Ans: A. Ventilation with continuous positive airway pressure(Ref: Harrison 19/e p1731, 18/e p2200)The patient here has decreased and increased paO2 as well as paCO2.Hence the patient is type 2 respiratory failure, which can be seen in bronchial asthma patients.Best management strategy - Assisted ventilation with CPAP (Non-invasive ventilation) rather than controlled mandator), ventilation.Type II respiratory failure - Mains stay of therapy:Directed at reversing underlying cause(s) of ventilatory failure.Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation with a tight-lining facial or nasal mask, with avoidance of endotracheal intuhation, often stabilizes these patients.Mainly in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Check for hemodynamic instability, inability to protect the airway, respiratory arrest.