Which of the following statements is true regarding Pressure Control ventilation?

• A. It provides exact control of arterial blood gases
• B. It allows for variable tidal volume depending on lung mechanics
• C. It guarantees high levels of oxygenation
• D. It is not responsive to patient demands

Answer: (B)

Pressure Control ventilation is a mode that delivers a set pressure during inspiration, allowing the tidal volume to vary based on the lung compliance and resistance. This means that if the lung mechanics change—such as in cases of decreased compliance due to conditions like pulmonary edema or increased resistance due to obstruction—the volume of air delivered with each breath can fluctuate. This adaptability is crucial in managing patients with varying respiratory conditions since it accommodates natural variations in lung function.

In this mode, the clinician sets a maximum pressure, and as the lungs expand, the ventilator will stop delivering air once this pressure is reached. Consequently, the actual tidal volume may differ depending on how compliant or obstructed the lungs are at any given moment.

This characteristic is what makes the statement about variable tidal volume correct, as it emphasizes the mode's responsiveness to the patient's respiratory mechanics rather than providing fixed tidal volumes regardless of lung status.