Identify the improperly set ventilator parameter using the scalars shown below.

A) Mode
B) Flow rate
C) Sensitivity
D) Tidal volume

Question

Identify the improperly set ventilator parameter using the scalars shown below.

A) Mode 
B) Flow rate 
C) Sensitivity 
D) Tidal volume

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The breaths shown are both patient triggered.Negative deflections on the pressure-time scalar are present for both complete breaths shown.There is also a negative deflection between the two that did not result in a ventilator breath.A closer look at the amount of pressure required to trigger a ventilator breath shows that it is set too insensitive.In this situation the patient needs to generate a pressure of 10 cm H₂O below the baseline to trigger a breath.The negative deflection in the center of the pressure-time scalar demonstrates that the patient could not generate enough negative pressure to trigger a breath.Therefore,the sensitivity is not set properly.

Identify the Improperly Set Ventilator Parameter Using the Scalars Shown