Question

A patient receiving continuous mandatory ventilation in the assist-control mode develops auto-PEEP. Which of the following general approaches would you consider to minimize the effects of auto-PEEP in this patient?

I. increasing expiratory time
II. applying PEEP
III. switching ventilating mode to synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation


A) I and II


B) I and III


C) II and III


D) I, II, and III

Answer 1

To minimize the effects of auto-PEEP in a patient receiving continuous mandatory ventilation in the assist-control mode, increasing expiratory time, applying PEEP, and switching ventilating mode to SIMV can be considered.

Step-by-step explanation:

To minimize the effects of auto-PEEP in a patient receiving continuous mandatory ventilation in the assist-control mode, a combination of increasing expiratory time, applying PEEP, and switching ventilating mode to synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) would be considered. By increasing the expiratory time, it allows for adequate emptying of the lungs and decreases the risk of air trapping. Applying positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) helps to maintain lung volume and reduce atelectasis. Switching to SIMV mode allows for a reduction in minute ventilation, which can help to minimize the effects of auto-PEEP.