A patient receiving mechanical ventilation via pressure regulated volume control (PRVC)has a set target volume of 500 mL with an upper pressure limit setting of 35 cm H₂O.During the respiratory therapist's first patient ventilator system check,25 cm H₂O was needed to deliver the set volume.Several hours later the pressure to deliver the set volume is 15 cm H₂O.The respiratory therapist should do which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The upper pressure limit should be reduced so that the lungs are protected from pressures that would be too high for the recovering lungs.There is nothing in this scenario that gives any clues to the fact that the patient should be switched to PSV.Not taking any action in this situation could cause harm to the patient if the pressure were to rise suddenly,as with a cough or forcible exhalation.

A Patient Receiving Mechanical Ventilation Via Pressure Regulated Volume Control