APRV mode is primarily designed to assist patients with which condition?

APRV mode is primarily designed to assist patients with which condition?

• A. Asthma
• B. Stiff lungs
• C. Obstructive sleep apnea
• D. COPD

Answer: (B)

APRV, or Airway Pressure Release Ventilation, is primarily designed to assist patients with conditions characterized by stiff lungs, such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or pulmonary fibrosis. This mode allows for the maintenance of a higher mean airway pressure, which improves oxygenation and lung recruitment. In APRV, two pressure levels are used: a high pressure (CPAP level) that is maintained for a designated time to facilitate recruitment of collapsed or atelectatic lung units, followed by brief releases to lower pressures that allow for spontaneous venting of carbon dioxide. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with reduced lung compliance, as it optimizes lung mechanics by promoting alveolar recruitment and preventing further atelectasis. When considering the other conditions listed, while asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and COPD may also benefit from improved ventilation strategies, those conditions typically do not share the same pathophysiological characteristics associated with stiff lungs that APRV specifically addresses. In essence, APRV is ideally suited for managing the mechanical challenges posed by stiff or non-compliant lungs, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.

APRV, or Airway Pressure Release Ventilation, is primarily designed to assist patients with conditions characterized by stiff lungs, such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or pulmonary fibrosis. This mode allows for the maintenance of a higher mean airway pressure, which improves oxygenation and lung recruitment.

In APRV, two pressure levels are used: a high pressure (CPAP level) that is maintained for a designated time to facilitate recruitment of collapsed or atelectatic lung units, followed by brief releases to lower pressures that allow for spontaneous venting of carbon dioxide. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with reduced lung compliance, as it optimizes lung mechanics by promoting alveolar recruitment and preventing further atelectasis.

When considering the other conditions listed, while asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and COPD may also benefit from improved ventilation strategies, those conditions typically do not share the same pathophysiological characteristics associated with stiff lungs that APRV specifically addresses. In essence, APRV is ideally suited for managing the mechanical challenges posed by stiff or non-compliant lungs, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.