Question

When setting the tidal volume on a patient being mechanically ventilated, what criteria should be kept in mind?

A) It should never cause the plateau pressure to exceed 30 mm Hg.

B) It should never cause the peak pressure to exceed 35 mm Hg.

C) It should result in the static pressure of less than 10 mm Hg.

D) It should result in a peak pressure of no more than 25 mm Hg.

Answer 1

In mechanical ventilation, it is crucial to set the tidal volume so that the plateau pressure does not exceed 30 mm Hg to prevent lung injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

When setting the tidal volume on a patient being mechanically ventilated, several criteria should be considered to ensure that the patient's lungs are not subjected to harmful pressures. It is widely accepted in medical practice to avoid causing the plateau pressure to exceed 30 mm Hg, to reduce the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury. The option A) It should never cause the plateau pressure to exceed 30 mm Hg provides an appropriate threshold, as exceeding this limit can cause alveolar overdistention and potential damage. Hence, other pressures like peak and static pressures should also be monitored and maintained within safe limits, but the primary factor for preventing injury from mechanical ventilation is the plateau pressure.