What is the primary goal of using low tidal volume ventilation in ARDS?

What is the primary goal of using low tidal volume ventilation in ARDS?

• A. To improve patient comfort
• B. To minimize ventilator-induced lung injury
• C. To increase overall tidal volume delivery
• D. To enhance respiratory muscle strength

Answer: (B)

The primary goal of using low tidal volume ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury. In ARDS, the lungs are often compromised and more susceptible to injury due to factors like inflammation and damage to the alveoli. Traditional mechanical ventilation strategies that employed larger tidal volumes could exacerbate lung injury by overdistending alveoli and inducing further inflammation and barotrauma. By utilizing low tidal volume ventilation, which typically involves using volumes approximately 6 ml/kg of predicted body weight, the mechanical ventilation strategy aims to reduce the stress and strain on lung tissues. This approach helps to protect the already injured lungs, improve gas exchange, and ultimately lead to better clinical outcomes. This protective strategy is supported by various studies that indicate lower mortality rates when adopting low tidal volume ventilation protocols in patients with ARDS. In summary, minimizing ventilator-induced lung injury is crucial for improving lung function and patient survival in the context of ARDS, making it the correct answer.

The primary goal of using low tidal volume ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury. In ARDS, the lungs are often compromised and more susceptible to injury due to factors like inflammation and damage to the alveoli. Traditional mechanical ventilation strategies that employed larger tidal volumes could exacerbate lung injury by overdistending alveoli and inducing further inflammation and barotrauma.

By utilizing low tidal volume ventilation, which typically involves using volumes approximately 6 ml/kg of predicted body weight, the mechanical ventilation strategy aims to reduce the stress and strain on lung tissues. This approach helps to protect the already injured lungs, improve gas exchange, and ultimately lead to better clinical outcomes. This protective strategy is supported by various studies that indicate lower mortality rates when adopting low tidal volume ventilation protocols in patients with ARDS.

In summary, minimizing ventilator-induced lung injury is crucial for improving lung function and patient survival in the context of ARDS, making it the correct answer.