RRT Mechanical Ventilation Flashcards
6 cards from real RRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 RRT Mechanical Ventilation flashcards as text
What is the primary goal of lung-protective ventilation in ARDS?
Answer: Limit tidal volume to 6 mL/kg IBW to prevent volutrauma
The ARDSNet protocol recommends tidal volumes of 4–6 mL/kg IBW to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury from overdistension.
Which ventilator mode delivers a guaranteed tidal volume regardless of lung compliance changes?
Answer: Volume-Controlled Ventilation (VCV)
Volume-controlled ventilation delivers a set tidal volume with each breath by adjusting pressure, ensuring consistent minute ventilation regardless of compliance.
What does PEEP stand for and what is its primary purpose in mechanical ventilation?
Answer: Positive End-Expiratory Pressure; prevents alveolar collapse at end-expiration
PEEP maintains a baseline positive pressure at end-expiration to recruit collapsed alveoli and improve oxygenation.
A patient on volume control ventilation has a plateau pressure of 32 cmH2O. What is the appropriate action?
Answer: Decrease tidal volume to reduce lung injury risk
Plateau pressures above 30 cmH2O indicate overdistension risk; reducing tidal volume lowers plateau pressure and prevents barotrauma.
Which ventilator waveform indicates auto-PEEP (intrinsic PEEP)?
Answer: Flow not returning to zero before the next breath begins
Auto-PEEP occurs when expiratory flow does not reach zero before the next breath, indicating air trapping and incomplete exhalation.
What is the normal range for static lung compliance in a mechanically ventilated adult?
Answer: 60–100 mL/cmH2O
Normal static compliance in a mechanically ventilated patient is approximately 60–100 mL/cmH2O, reflecting lung-chest wall elasticity.