Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary function of Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) when added to other ventilator modes?

1. To enhance lung compliance

2. To support patient-initiated breaths

3. To ensure constant tidal volume

4. To regulate respiratory rate

The correct answer is: To support patient-initiated breaths

The primary function of Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) is to support patient-initiated breaths. This mode provides assistance during spontaneous breathing by delivering a preset level of pressure during inhalation when the patient triggers the ventilator. This support reduces the work of breathing and allows patients to take breaths more comfortably while also helping to improve their overall oxygenation. Incorporating Pressure Support Ventilation can be particularly beneficial for patients who are able to initiate their breaths but may lack the strength or effort to fully complete the inhalation without assistance. This approach allows for more natural, synchronized breathing patterns and is crucial for patients who are on a path to recovery from respiratory failure or those in the weaning phase from mechanical ventilation. While enhancing lung compliance and ensuring constant tidal volume are important concepts in respiratory care, they do not accurately reflect the main purpose of PSV. Similarly, regulating respiratory rate is not a direct function of PSV, as this mode primarily responds to the patient's efforts rather than controlling the ventilatory rate independently.