On a ventilator that has separate rate and minute ventilation (V_E) controls, the rate is set at 13/min and the V_E at 11 L/min. About what V_T is the patient receiving?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To calculate the minute ventilation (V_T), we can use the following formula: V_T = rate (breaths/min) x tidal volume (TV) We know that the rate is set at 13/min and we need to find TV. Using the given V_E control, we can assume that the desired minute ventilation is 11 L/min. Converting this to mL/min: 11 L/min x 1000 mL/L x 1 min/60 s = 183.3 mL/s Now, we can calculate the tidal volume: TV = minute ventilation / rate TV = 183.3 mL/s / 13/min TV = 14.1 mL/breath Rounded to the nearest 50 mL (as given in the answer choices), the patient is receiving about 850 mL/breath, which corresponds to choice letter B.

On a Ventilator That Has Separate Rate and Minute Ventilation