In pressure support ventilation, what primarily supports the effort of breathing?

In pressure support ventilation, what primarily supports the effort of breathing?

• A. The set tidal volume
• B. The set pressure limit
• C. The patient's own respiratory muscles
• D. The ventilator delivers constant flow

Answer: (B)

In pressure support ventilation, the primary support for the effort of breathing comes from the set pressure limit. This mode of ventilation is designed to enhance the patient’s spontaneous breathing efforts by delivering a preset level of positive pressure during inspiration. When the patient initiates a breath, the ventilator recognizes this effort and provides a boost of pressure up to the predetermined limit, allowing the patient to inhale more easily. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for patients who are capable of breathing independently but may need assistance to overcome the resistance of the ventilator circuit or to increase tidal volumes during their breaths. The specific pressure set not only helps to reduce the work of breathing but also ensures that the patient receives adequate ventilation without the need for a fixed tidal volume or constant flow, making it a flexible and supportive option for various levels of respiratory effort.

In pressure support ventilation, the primary support for the effort of breathing comes from the set pressure limit. This mode of ventilation is designed to enhance the patient’s spontaneous breathing efforts by delivering a preset level of positive pressure during inspiration. When the patient initiates a breath, the ventilator recognizes this effort and provides a boost of pressure up to the predetermined limit, allowing the patient to inhale more easily.

This mechanism is particularly beneficial for patients who are capable of breathing independently but may need assistance to overcome the resistance of the ventilator circuit or to increase tidal volumes during their breaths. The specific pressure set not only helps to reduce the work of breathing but also ensures that the patient receives adequate ventilation without the need for a fixed tidal volume or constant flow, making it a flexible and supportive option for various levels of respiratory effort.