What is the purpose of the target tidal volume setting in Volume Support?

• A. To maintain a set pressure level
• B. To ensure that the PS level varies to achieve the target volume
• C. To reduce the frequency of alarms
• D. To enable time-cycled breaths only

Answer: (B)

The target tidal volume setting in Volume Support is essential for ensuring that each breath delivered during mechanical ventilation meets a specific volume goal. This mechanism allows the ventilator to automatically adjust the pressure support level, enabling it to vary as necessary to achieve the desired tidal volume for the patient. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients who may have changing respiratory mechanics, as it helps to ensure adequate ventilation and can accommodate fluctuations in lung compliance and resistance.

The aim is not simply to maintain a set pressure level or to enable time-cycled breaths exclusively, which are limiting aspects of ventilation modes. Additionally, while minimizing alarms is important in ventilatory management, it is a secondary concern. The primary focus is really on tailoring the ventilatory support to persistently reach the target tidal volume, making option B the correct choice in this context.