A physician orders intubation and mechanical ventilation in volume-controlled ventilation mode for a 170-lb adult man with neuromuscular disease. Which of the following initial settings would you recommend? Rate V_T A) 14 breath/min 540 ml B) 20 breath/min 310 ml C) 10 breath/min 770 ml D) 6 breath/min 500 ml

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial settings for mechanical ventilation in an adult should aim for a tidal volume of 6-8 ml/kg of ideal body weight. For a 170-lb (approximately 77 kg) adult, a tidal volume around 462-616 ml is appropriate. A rate of 14 breaths/min with a tidal volume of 540 ml (which falls within the recommended range) is a reasonable starting point, ensuring adequate ventilation without risking lung injury from overdistension.

A Physician Orders Intubation and Mechanical Ventilation in Volume-Controlled Ventilation