Mechanical ventilator settings flashcards

What is tidal volume (Vt)?

The amount of air delivered to the lungs with each breath. Typical settings range from 6-10 mL/kg of ideal body weight.

Set the FiO2 to what percentage for hypoxemia?

Start at 40-60% FiO2 in cases of hypoxemia; adjust as needed to maintain SpO2 > 92%.

True or False: PEEP prevents alveolar collapse.

True. PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) maintains open alveoli, improving oxygenation.

Compare assist-control and SIMV.

Assist-control: delivers preset breaths plus patient-triggered breaths. SIMV: combines mandatory and spontaneous breaths.

Fill in the blank: The respiratory rate is typically set between ___ and ___ breaths/min.

12 and 20 breaths/min.

What is peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)?

The maximum pressure required to deliver a breath. High PIP may indicate obstruction or decreased compliance.

How does increasing PEEP affect hemodynamics?

It can decrease cardiac output by increasing intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return.

What is the purpose of respiratory rate (RR)?

RR controls the number of breaths delivered per minute, vital for ventilatory support.

Define compliance in mechanical ventilation.

Compliance measures lung distensibility, calculated as $\displaystyle {C = \frac{Vt}{P_{plat} - PEEPe}}$.

True or False: Pressure control ventilation delivers a set volume.

False. Pressure control ventilation delivers air until a preset pressure is reached, not a specific volume.

What is the main goal of mechanical ventilation?

To ensure adequate gas exchange and oxygenation while minimizing ventilator-induced lung injury.

Describe the effects of high tidal volume.

High tidal volume can lead to barotrauma, volutrauma, and increased risk of lung injury.

What does PEEP stand for?

Positive End-Expiratory Pressure. It prevents alveolar collapse at end expiration.

True or False: FiO2 affects oxygen delivery.

True - FiO2 (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen) directly influences the amount of oxygen available to the patient.

Compare assist control and SIMV.

Assist Control: Delivers set breaths; can trigger additional breaths. SIMV: Provides mandatory breaths & allows spontaneous breathing.

Fill in the blank: Tidal volume is typically set at ____ mL/kg.

6-8 mL/kg of ideal body weight is the standard for tidal volume.

What is the purpose of the respiratory rate setting?

To determine the number of ventilator-assisted breaths per minute, aiding in ventilatory support.

Cause → Effect: Increased PEEP leads to ____.

Increased functional residual capacity (FRC) and improved oxygenation.

True or False: Higher tidal volumes always improve ventilation.

False - Excessive tidal volumes can cause barotrauma and volutrauma.

What happens when you increase the respiratory rate?

It can lead to decreased tidal volume if the ventilator is set to deliver a fixed minute ventilation.

Define the term 'I:E ratio'.

Inspiratory to Expiratory ratio; typically 1:2 to 1:4 in mechanically ventilated patients.

How does pressure support work?

It decreases the work of breathing by delivering a set pressure during inspiration, if the patient initiates a breath.

Fill in the blank: The typical range for PEEP is ____ cm H2O.

5-10 cm H2O, depending on the patient's lung condition and needs.

What is the role of the ventilator's alarm system?

To alert caregivers to patient-ventilator asynchrony, disconnections, or other critical issues needing immediate attention.