Final answer:
High-frequency percussive ventilation is the most useful mode of ventilation for a patient with a broncho-pulmonary fistula since it delivers rapid, small breaths that can maintain pulmonary ventilation without exacerbating the air leak caused by the fistula.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mode of ventilation that may be most useful for ventilating a patient with a broncho-pulmonary fistula is C) high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV). HFPV combines the principles of conventional mechanical ventilation with those of high-frequency ventilation. It delivers small, rapid, percussion-like breaths, which are thought to be beneficial in instances where there is an abnormal connection between the bronchial tree and the pleural space, such as a broncho-pulmonary fistula. This mode of ventilation helps to minimize air loss through the fistula while ensuring adequate gas exchange.
It is important to recognize the different aspects of respiration including external respiration, interpulmonary respiration, internal respiration, and pulmonary ventilation. High-frequency percussive ventilation is particularly useful because it can help maintain pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange even when there are abnormalities or leaks in the lung or airways.
Note that in clinical settings, adjustments to the ventilator settings would be made based on the patient's physiologic response. The primary goal is always to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation while minimizing further lung damage.