How does an increase in airway resistance impact ventilator settings?

How does an increase in airway resistance impact ventilator settings?

• A. Requires lower tidal volumes
• B. Decreases the need for oxygen
• C. Requires higher pressures to maintain tidal volumes
• D. Reduces work of breathing

Answer: (C)

An increase in airway resistance significantly impacts the ability of the ventilator to deliver adequate tidal volumes. When airway resistance rises, such as in cases of bronchoconstriction or obstruction, it becomes more challenging for air to flow through the respiratory system. As a result, to maintain the prescribed tidal volumes, the ventilator must compensate by providing higher pressures during inspiration. This increased pressure is necessary to overcome the resistance within the airways, ensuring that the desired amount of air is delivered to the lungs despite the impediment. Consequently, monitoring and adjusting the ventilator settings to accommodate elevated airway resistance is crucial for effective mechanical ventilation and ensuring adequate ventilation for the patient.

An increase in airway resistance significantly impacts the ability of the ventilator to deliver adequate tidal volumes. When airway resistance rises, such as in cases of bronchoconstriction or obstruction, it becomes more challenging for air to flow through the respiratory system. As a result, to maintain the prescribed tidal volumes, the ventilator must compensate by providing higher pressures during inspiration.

This increased pressure is necessary to overcome the resistance within the airways, ensuring that the desired amount of air is delivered to the lungs despite the impediment. Consequently, monitoring and adjusting the ventilator settings to accommodate elevated airway resistance is crucial for effective mechanical ventilation and ensuring adequate ventilation for the patient.