A 45-year-old man is intubated for severe pneumonia. On day 3, the ventilator consistently delivers a tidal volume lower than the set volume on VCV, t...

Question

A 45-year-old man is intubated for severe pneumonia. On day 3, the ventilator consistently delivers a tidal volume lower than the set volume on VCV, triggering low-volume alarms. Peak inspiratory pressure is at the set pressure limit of 40 cmH2O. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Reduced lung compliance causing the pressure limit to be reached before full tidal volume delivery

Answer

Circuit disconnect

Answer

Decreased airway resistance

Answer

Increased patient effort triggering auto-cycling

Answer

Ventilator malfunction

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Ventilator Troubleshooting

A 45-year-old man is intubated for severe pneumonia. On day 3, the ventilator consistently delivers a tidal volume lower than the set volume on VCV, triggering low-volume alarms. Peak inspiratory pressure is at the set pressure limit of 40 cmH2O. What is the most likely explanation?