Final answer:
A volume-cycled ventilator delivers gas until a preselected volume of gas is received by the patient. Settings are adjusted to ensure appropriate ventilation, balancing respiratory rate and volume per breath.
Step-by-step explanation:
A volume-cycled ventilator is a device that provides gas under positive pressure during inspiration and stops the gas flow once a preselected volume of gas is received by the patient. This maintains a consistent tidal volume for each breath, ensuring the adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The ventilation settings, including respiratory rate and volume of air per breath, can be adjusted based on patient needs. Specifically, if ventilation is low (hypoventiliation), the respiratory rate may need to be increased and the volume per breath managed accordingly, or vice versa when ventilation is high (hyperventilation).