Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

In PRVC, what determines the tidal volume delivered to the patient?

1. Patient's oxygen saturation levels

2. Patient's inspiratory effort

3. Peak pressure set on the ventilator

4. Clinician's order based on assessment

The correct answer is: Peak pressure set on the ventilator

In Pressure Regulated Volume Control (PRVC) mode, the tidal volume delivered to the patient is determined based on the peak inspiratory pressure set on the ventilator. In this mode, the ventilator automatically adjusts the pressure to ensure that a specific tidal volume is delivered with each breath while keeping the pressure within a predefined limit. This mechanism allows the ventilator to adaptively regulate the tidal volume based on the patient's compliance and resistance, ensuring adequate ventilation while also preventing barotrauma due to excessive pressures. Other factors, like a patient's oxygen saturation levels or inspiratory effort, do play a role in overall ventilation and oxygenation management but are not the primary determinants of tidal volume in PRVC. A clinician's orders based on assessment can influence mechanical ventilation settings, but the tidal volume itself in this mode specifically depends on the peak pressure set on the ventilator.