At what pressure will a ventilator alarm in PRVC mode with a tidal volume of 600 mL and an upper pressure limit set at 40 cm H2O?

At what pressure will a ventilator alarm in PRVC mode with a tidal volume of 600 mL and an upper pressure limit set at 40 cm H2O?

• A. 30 cm H2O
• B. 35 cm H2O
• C. 40 cm H2O
• D. 25 cm H2O

Answer: (B)

In PRVC (Pressure Regulated Volume Control) mode, the ventilator aims to deliver a target tidal volume while adjusting pressure to meet that goal. The upper pressure limit is crucial in this mode, as it prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the patient's airways and lungs. The ventilator will trigger an alarm when the pressure reaches the upper limit that has been set. In this case, the upper pressure limit is 40 cm H2O. Therefore, the ventilator will alert clinicians when the pressure reaches this threshold, indicating that it cannot maintain the target tidal volume without exceeding the limit. While the option selected indicates a pressure of 35 cm H2O, the actual configuration indicates that the alarm will activate at the 40 cm H2O mark. This alarm setting ensures patient safety by preventing airway trauma due to high pressures that could lead to barotrauma or other complications. Understanding these pressure limits in the context of patient safety is vital for effective ventilation management, making it necessary for clinicians to be aware of both the target tidal volume and the pressure settings in order to provide optimal care.

In PRVC (Pressure Regulated Volume Control) mode, the ventilator aims to deliver a target tidal volume while adjusting pressure to meet that goal. The upper pressure limit is crucial in this mode, as it prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the patient's airways and lungs.

The ventilator will trigger an alarm when the pressure reaches the upper limit that has been set. In this case, the upper pressure limit is 40 cm H2O. Therefore, the ventilator will alert clinicians when the pressure reaches this threshold, indicating that it cannot maintain the target tidal volume without exceeding the limit.

While the option selected indicates a pressure of 35 cm H2O, the actual configuration indicates that the alarm will activate at the 40 cm H2O mark. This alarm setting ensures patient safety by preventing airway trauma due to high pressures that could lead to barotrauma or other complications.

Understanding these pressure limits in the context of patient safety is vital for effective ventilation management, making it necessary for clinicians to be aware of both the target tidal volume and the pressure settings in order to provide optimal care.