Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

Which ventilatory mode allows a combination of mandatory and spontaneous breaths?

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

2. Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV)

3. Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV)

4. Assist-Control Ventilation (A/C)

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

Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV) is the correct answer because it uniquely combines mandatory breaths, which the ventilator delivers at set intervals, with spontaneous breaths that the patient can initiate themselves. This mode allows for a certain number of breaths to be predetermined and delivered by the ventilator, while also permitting the patient to breathe spontaneously between these mandatory breaths, thus maintaining some control over their ventilation. This combination is advantageous in weaning patients off ventilation support, as it allows for respiratory muscle use while providing necessary backup ventilation. It emphasizes patient comfort and autonomy by accommodating their need to take spontaneous breaths, which can help reduce the risk of ventilator dependence. Other modes, such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV), primarily focus on supporting spontaneous breaths without the incorporation of mandatory breaths. Assist-Control Ventilation (A/C) provides mandatory breaths but does not allow the same level of spontaneous breathing interaction as SIMV does, operating more as a controlled mode of ventilation.