Final answer:
In SIMV, subsequent patient-triggered breaths during a breath period are assisted with additional pressure to make inhalation easier and overcome circuit resistance. SIMV combines mandatory breaths with patient-triggered support, aiding in mechanical ventilation weaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV), subsequent patient triggers in the same breath period get assisted with additional pressure. This pressure support helps to overcome the resistance of the breathing circuit and the airways, making it easier for the patient to inhale. The ventilator senses the patient's effort to breathe and delivers a preset tidal volume or pressure. SIMV allows for spontaneous breathing in between the mandatory breaths, and the ventilator provides additional support for those breaths initiated by the patient. This mode of ventilation is often used in the weaning process from mechanical ventilation.