Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

Which ventilator mode is commonly used for patients with high respiratory needs?

1. Pressure Control Ventilation (PCV)

2. Volume Control Ventilation (VCV)

3. Assist Control (AC)

4. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

The correct answer is: Assist Control (AC)

Assist Control (AC) is commonly used for patients with high respiratory needs because it allows for a combination of mandatory and supported breaths. In this mode, the ventilator delivers a preset tidal volume with every breath, either initiated by the patient or triggered by the ventilator. This capability ensures that the patient receives adequate ventilation, particularly beneficial for those who may be unable to breathe effectively on their own or require additional support due to respiratory distress. In situations where patients exhibit high respiratory demand, AC provides the flexibility for spontaneous breathing while maintaining a baseline level of support. This is essential for managing patients with conditions like acute respiratory failure or exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases, where maintaining proper oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination is critical. The other modes, while useful in different contexts, do not provide the same level of assistance for patients with significant respiratory needs. Pressure Control Ventilation is designed to limit the pressure delivered during each breath, making it less ideal for patients who require consistent volume delivery. Volume Control Ventilation ensures a set volume with each breath but does not accommodate patient-triggered breaths in the same way that AC does. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, while helpful for maintaining open airways, does not provide the necessary support for those who cannot initiate breaths effectively.