Mechanical Ventilation Management Flashcards

A patient with severe ARDS remains hypoxemic despite optimized ventilator settings. Which adjunct has demonstrated a mortality benefit?

Answer: Prone positioning

Prone positioning improves ventilation-perfusion matching and reduces mortality in severe ARDS.

Which formula is used to estimate the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio threshold defining moderate ARDS?

Answer: P/F ratio of 100–200

By the Berlin definition, a P/F ratio of 100–200 defines moderate ARDS.

Permissive hypercapnia during lung-protective ventilation is acceptable as long as which parameter is maintained?

Answer: An adequate pH, generally above 7.20

Elevated CO2 is tolerated to protect the lungs provided pH stays in an acceptable range, typically above 7.20.

A patient on the ventilator requires deep sedation and a continuous neuromuscular blocking agent. What additional monitoring is essential?

Answer: Adequate sedation and analgesia, since paralytics provide neither

Paralytics do not sedate or relieve pain, so adequate sedation and analgesia must be ensured to prevent awareness.

Which ventilator mode delivers a preset pressure with a decelerating flow pattern and a set rate, often used to limit barotrauma?

Answer: Pressure-control ventilation

Pressure-control ventilation delivers a targeted pressure with decelerating flow, capping airway pressure to limit barotrauma.

A spontaneous awakening trial (SAT) paired with a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) is associated with which outcome?

Answer: Reduced ventilator days and shorter ICU stay

Coordinated SAT/SBT protocols shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.

What is the recommended endotracheal tube cuff pressure range to prevent both aspiration and tracheal mucosal injury?

Answer: 20–30 cm H2O

Cuff pressures of 20–30 cm H2O seal the airway while avoiding ischemic mucosal damage.