In pressure-control ventilation, what happens to the volume delivered if lung mechanics deteriorate?

In pressure-control ventilation, what happens to the volume delivered if lung mechanics deteriorate?

• A. It stays the same
• B. It varies unpredictably
• C. It decreases
• D. It increases significantly

Answer: (C)

In pressure-control ventilation, the ventilator delivers breaths based on a preset pressure. If lung mechanics deteriorate, such as in the case of increased airway resistance or decreased lung compliance, the ability of the lungs to expand properly is compromised. This means that for a given pressure limit, less air may be able to enter the lungs due to these adverse changes in lung function. As the lungs become stiffer or more obstructed, the volume of air that can be delivered at that constant pressure will decrease because the pressure has to overcome the increased resistance or the decreased compliance of the lung tissue. Therefore, the volume delivered does indeed decrease when lung mechanics worsen during pressure-controlled settings. This response highlights the dependency of tidal volume on lung mechanics in a pressure-controlled mode of ventilation.

In pressure-control ventilation, the ventilator delivers breaths based on a preset pressure. If lung mechanics deteriorate, such as in the case of increased airway resistance or decreased lung compliance, the ability of the lungs to expand properly is compromised. This means that for a given pressure limit, less air may be able to enter the lungs due to these adverse changes in lung function.

As the lungs become stiffer or more obstructed, the volume of air that can be delivered at that constant pressure will decrease because the pressure has to overcome the increased resistance or the decreased compliance of the lung tissue. Therefore, the volume delivered does indeed decrease when lung mechanics worsen during pressure-controlled settings. This response highlights the dependency of tidal volume on lung mechanics in a pressure-controlled mode of ventilation.