Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

Which mode allows patient-triggered breaths to be not supported by the ventilator?

1. Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV)

2. Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV)

3. Pressure Regulated Volume Control (PRVC)

4. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

The correct answer is: Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV)

The correct choice indicates Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV) as the mode in which patient-triggered breaths are not supported by the ventilator. SIMV is designed to allow for both mandatory breaths delivered by the ventilator and spontaneous breaths initiated by the patient. However, during these spontaneous breaths, the ventilator does not provide additional support; it only allows the patient to breathe at their own rate and tidal volume. In SIMV, the ventilator guarantees a set number of mandatory breaths at prescribed volumes and pressures, but it does not assist during the patient-triggered breaths if they fall below a certain threshold set by the clinician. This enables the patient to control their own breathing effort while still receiving essential mechanical ventilation support at designated intervals. Other modes like Pressure Support Ventilation, Pressure Regulated Volume Control, and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure actively provide support or assistance during spontaneous breaths. In Pressure Support Ventilation, each patient-initiated breath receives a preset level of pressure assist. Pressure Regulated Volume Control offers assistance both with pressure and volume guarantees. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure maintains constant pressure in the airways throughout the respiratory cycle, thereby supporting all spontaneous breaths without distinction. This makes SIMV unique in its allowance for un