Which of the following is an advantage of pressure support ventilation?

• A. It allows for full control over patient's respiratory rate and tidal volume
• B. Patients can set their own respiratory rate, TI, inspiratory flow rate, and VT
• C. It guarantees automatic ventilation during respiratory failure
• D. It eliminates the need for alarms and monitoring systems

Answer: (B)

Pressure support ventilation (PSV) allows patients to have a degree of control over their own ventilation, which is one of its significant advantages. In this mode, patients can initiate breaths, and the ventilator will assist with a set level of pressure, enabling them to influence their own respiratory rate, inspiratory time (TI), inspiratory flow rate, and tidal volume (VT). This capability means that patients can adapt their breathing patterns according to their own needs and comfort, which can enhance their overall sense of control and comfort during the ventilation process.

The ability for patients to set or influence these parameters can lead to better synchrony between the patient and the ventilator, possibly leading to a more effective ventilation strategy in certain clinical scenarios. It provides a balance of support and autonomy, making it a favored option in patients who are partially able to breathe independently but may still require some assistance.

In contrast, modes of ventilation that fully control the respiratory rate and tidal volume do not allow patients to contribute to their own ventilatory efforts. Guaranteeing automatic ventilation during respiratory failure suggests a level of assurance that PSV does not inherently provide, as it allows for spontaneous efforts. Lastly, eliminating the need for alarms and monitoring systems is not a characteristic of PSV; in fact,