Final answer:
Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) is a mechanical ventilation mode providing pressure support to assist patients with their breathing, reducing the work of breathing and ensuring proper gas exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) is a type of positive pressure ventilation used in the medical field to assist patients who are having difficulty breathing on their own. PSV is typically used in the setting of mechanical ventilation where the patient is provided with support for their inspiratory efforts. In PSV mode, the ventilator augments the patient's spontaneous breaths with a preset level of pressure, to decrease the work of breathing while ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygenation.
This mode of ventilation allows the patient to control their own rate and pattern of breathing but provides the necessary support in terms of pressure to help inflate the lungs. The amount of pressure provided is often adjusted based on the patient's needs and the desired outcome. The primary goals of PSV are to improve gas exchange and decrease the patient's work of breathing.