What ventilator settings should a therapist select for a newborn with respiratory distress syndrome?
I. PIP 25 to 30 cm H₂O
II. PEEP 4 to 6 cm H₂O
III. VT 5 to 6 mL/kg
IV. Frequency 20 to 40 breaths per minute

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Generally, once the infant is stabilized in the NICU, a pressure-limited ventilator using a sinusoidal flow pattern is used. Peak inspiratory pressures (PIPs) generally adjusted at 15 to 25 cm H₂O, depending on the size of the infant and the severity of the disease, to establish a tidal volume (Vt) between 4 and 5 mL/kg. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels of 4 to 6 cm H₂O are used to prevent further alveolar collapse, and rates of 20 to 40 breaths per minute are used to treat hypercapnia. Inspiratory times (Ti) should be initiated at 0.3 to 0.4 seconds. If a longer Ti is required before surfactant administration, it should be lowered to 0.3 seconds after surfactant is administered. After surfactant administration, pulmonary compliance may improve rapidly requiring lower PIPs to attain similar tidal volumes.

What Ventilator Settings Should a Therapist Select for a Newborn