When delivering volume-control ventilation, what variable remains set by the clinician?

When delivering volume-control ventilation, what variable remains set by the clinician?

• A. Tidal volume
• B. Pressure
• C. FIO2
• D. Respiratory rate

Answer: (A)

In volume-control ventilation, the clinician specifies the tidal volume as a target to be delivered with each breath. This mode is designed to ensure that the set volume is delivered regardless of the patient's effort, thus controlling the amount of air that is actually administered during ventilation. The tidal volume, which is usually determined based on the patient's ideal body weight and clinical condition, plays a critical role in ensuring adequate ventilation without risking volutrauma or barotrauma. By setting the tidal volume, the clinician can maintain consistent ventilation and manage the patient’s carbon dioxide removal while allowing for adjustments based on the individual requirements and responses of the patient. In contrast, while other factors in ventilation such as pressure, FIO2, and respiratory rate can be adjusted by the clinician, the fundamental aspect of volume-control ventilation is that the tidal volume is pre-set and maintained as the primary goal. Thus, the correct answer highlights the central role of tidal volume in this mode of ventilation.

In volume-control ventilation, the clinician specifies the tidal volume as a target to be delivered with each breath. This mode is designed to ensure that the set volume is delivered regardless of the patient's effort, thus controlling the amount of air that is actually administered during ventilation.

The tidal volume, which is usually determined based on the patient's ideal body weight and clinical condition, plays a critical role in ensuring adequate ventilation without risking volutrauma or barotrauma. By setting the tidal volume, the clinician can maintain consistent ventilation and manage the patient’s carbon dioxide removal while allowing for adjustments based on the individual requirements and responses of the patient.

In contrast, while other factors in ventilation such as pressure, FIO2, and respiratory rate can be adjusted by the clinician, the fundamental aspect of volume-control ventilation is that the tidal volume is pre-set and maintained as the primary goal. Thus, the correct answer highlights the central role of tidal volume in this mode of ventilation.